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Speaker Welch!

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Illinois

* I’ll get you the final total in a bit.

Welch received 69 votes. 3 voted Present.

He will be the 70th Illinois House Speaker.

…Adding… Madigan spokesman Steve Brown said Madigan will be sworn in with the new General Assembly. Asked if Rep. Madigan would stick around, Brown repeated that he’d be sworn in and said that’s all the information he had.

…Adding… The three “Present” votes were Reps. Kelly Cassidy, Stephanie Kifowit and Lance Yednock. Rep. Katie Stuart did not vote. It’s expected that at least some will vote for Welch on the floor.

[Old-timers might get that headline. When the House Republicans won a majority in 1994, the headline was “Speaker Daniels!” When Madigan did the same two years later, it was “Speaker Madigan!”]

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 11:43 am

Comments

Wow and congrats.

Comment by LINK Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 11:45 am
Ok… NOW it’s a done deal.

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 11:46 am
Habemus Orator

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 11:46 am
If we are playing on 1994, then I submit:

Mr. Welch, I know how you feel.

Comment by Dirty Red Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 11:46 am
“Speaker Welch”

Just sayin’

Comment by Ok Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 11:46 am
Another Speaker with a history of integrity problems. Great.

Comment by Jack Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 11:47 am
I’m old enough to remember Rich being apoplectic over what Amy Grant said over the summer. Now he’s cheering on a known girl puncher and sexual harasser. I know this will get deleted or won’t make it past the filter but I’m going to say it anyway.

Comment by Lord of the Fries Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 11:47 am
His first order of business should be to evict the Republicans from their prime offices behind the chamber and let the Democrats reclaim the Speaker’s corridor.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 11:48 am
==Lord of the Fries==

In what way is Rich “cheering on” anything? He’s reporting the factual outcome of the vote.

Comment by tea_and_honey Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 11:49 am
White smoke and Green smoke pair well together.

Comment by Kayak Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 11:50 am
Lord of the Fries- take a breath, have a drink, and take a nap.

Comment by northside reformer Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 11:53 am
Today is Madigan’s 50th anniversary as a legislator.

Comment by ArchPundit Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 11:54 am
Were it not for hyperbole they’d have no boles at all…

- tea_and_honey - Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 11:49 am:

==Lord of the Fries==

In what way is Rich “cheering on” anything? He’s reporting the factual outcome of the vote.

Comment by Hon Don Gerard Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 11:54 am
==Another Speaker with a history of integrity problems. Great.==

I can’t believe this didn’t get more play. It can’t be only those that have worked with him that know this…

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 11:54 am
@Lord: “Known?” Accused; there’s a difference.

Comment by Socially DIstant Watcher Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 11:54 am
Who took the under?

Anybody?

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 11:55 am
Madigan 2.0. First act will be to appoint his buddy majority leader.

Comment by Salty Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 11:58 am
Any idea if Chris will keep Jessica and other staff?

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 11:58 am
This is sad. Illinois can and should do better by women.

Comment by Right Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 11:58 am
@socially what happened to “believe women” ??

Comment by Lord of the Fries Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 11:59 am
His history with women and effort to shield Madigan will not endear him, or the Democratic Party of IL, to the people of Illinois. I hope that someday soon we have leadership in the legislature that is known for high ethical standards and putting people, not power, first.

I hope that I am proven wrong and that Speaker Welch leads with integrity, works to get the state on strong footing, and improves faith in state government. In that, I wish him well.

Comment by Disgruntled IL Democrat Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 11:59 am
Congratulations. Now do better.

Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:00 pm
Dems may not have done themselves any favors here. Instead of having to answer “do you support Mike Madigan for speaker” every two years, now they have to answer “do you support domestic violence” every two years. Seriously, dems, you couldn’t settle on someone without the kind of history Welch has?

Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:00 pm
I wonder who the three were?

Comment by Fav Human Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:00 pm
Congrats Speaker Welch!

Comment by Boone's is Back Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:01 pm
How do we feel about now female House Dems?

yeah, let’s celebrate?

Comment by Pizza Man Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:01 pm
Illinois is, and continues to be a Political cess pool that knows no bounds.

Hoping this gets national #METOO notice.

Comment by Disappointed Female Suburban Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:08 pm
He may be the new Speaker, but he’s Madigan’s guy, right?

Comment by Bobby G Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:09 pm
Looking at the power behind the throne theory, this vote seems way too fast and way too easy. Couldn’t have happened without MJM’s acquiescence and probable support of this individual. I’m truly surprised and disappointed for the message this sent to the women of Illinois.

Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:10 pm
Speaker Welch - you now have the opportunity and the responsibility to prove to your detractors that alleged past incidents do not reflect how you will approach and perform in the role of Speaker and yes, as a man. Don’t let us down, and God bless you and your work.

Comment by Lincoln Lad Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:11 pm
Congrats to Speaker Welch!

Does Madigan stay in the GA as a member? Does he stay on as Chair of DPI?

Comment by Suburban Operative Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:11 pm
=== He may be the new Speaker, but he’s Madigan’s guy, right?===

I’d sleep with a night light, leave all closet doors open, get a dog and a dog to help the first dog… the boogeyman never leaves.

I’d hate to be afraid of my own shadow.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:12 pm
We are in 2021?..during the #MeToo movement where we have more female leaders in government, academia, business, the arts, etc.

We are not stuck in the 60’s-70’s issues like these were simply swept under the rug.

well - what do we say to our young girls currently in an IL classroom or e-learning from home about our government leaders?

Comment by Pizza Man Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:13 pm
The election of Welch is rooted in sexism and misogyny.

Comment by Leaving Illinois Soon Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:14 pm
@”- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 11:46 am:

Habemus Orator”

I think that would be “Habemus Oratorem” /pendantry

Comment by Hieronymus Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:15 pm
Will Steve Brown become Welch’s spokesperson, continue with Madigan’s staff, or retire?

Comment by Essential State Employee Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:16 pm
- Hieronymus -

I got Cs in Latin.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:18 pm
The Tribune article on Welch’s arrest and later harassment complaint makes me wonder how the heck he got votes from any women in the caucus.

Certainly someone among the 72 could be a leader and not bring this kind of baggage. It seems completely indefensible.

Comment by Friendly Bob Adams Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:19 pm
“- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:18 pm:

- Hieronymus -

I got Cs in Latin.”

I still got a good chuckle out of it. A very wry analogy.

Comment by Hieronymus Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:22 pm
- Leaving Illinois Soon - Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:14 pm

The opposition to Welch is rooted in racism.

Comment by PC Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:23 pm
===I got Cs in Latin.===

You must have been smart. I only got Ls in Latin.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:25 pm
- 47th Ward -

LOL

Yeah, more like VIIs

Well played.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:26 pm
Or LXXs

See… not great.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:28 pm
I am optimistic for my state. I worried that a long fight would make Democrats look bad. Now we can hopefully move forward.

Comment by HL Mencken Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:29 pm
Congratulations to Speaker Welch

Comment by Austinman Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:31 pm
Woman beater

Comment by Revolver Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:32 pm
Abysmal failure by the Dem caucus. Apparently MeToo only applies to the right side of the aisle. Sad, sad day.

Comment by Birds on the Bat Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:37 pm
- Birds on the Bat -

Aren’t you a Trump supporter?

If you can’t help but make it partisan…

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:38 pm
Making serious issues framed to partisan thoughts weaken honest discussion to the issue.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:40 pm
Leaving Illinois Soon
== The election of Welch is rooted in sexism and misogyny.

I am happy that Illinois has a Black Speaker and I hope that the criticism against him is not rooted in racism and white supremacy.

Lord of the Flies
== What happened to “believe women”?

Have we forgotten the history of white “Karens” using their privilege with the police to falsely accuse black men who upset them? I don’t know the situation, but knowing that history I am not prepared to automatically give a white women the benefit of the doubt over a black man.

Comment by Inconvenient Truths Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:40 pm
Okay, let’s have some fun. Time for about 20 retirements around the rail. “Vote for my bill or else” just stopped working! You have had plenty of time to save for that retirement. “Yeah, I know Welch pretty good” is only going to work so well, because you have not been in to see him for about three years, figuring he would just “go along”. Glad I don’t own stock in Saputo’s. “Darn, I should not have dropped my Sangamo membership, which is where they like to go.” These guys must feel like they just sat in the old Rathskeller and stepped on one of those rat traps they used to set out at night (yes, really, in that back room). Thankfully, we will finally get some amped-up diversity out there on the marble floor. About time. Okay, I advance apologize for my uncharacteristic snark.

Comment by chad Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:44 pm
I’ll repeat a question I asked on another thread: Did Welch deny the “head bashing” incident? Maybe he did in a court pleading or statement to the police at the time? All I saw was a Tribune article where he complained about the GOP being behind the stories coming out now.

If the answer is yes then while the reports are troubling, ok, long ago, no convictions, etc. Not thrilled, but willing to go along. But if the answer is no, then his supporters really should explain why they’re ok with this.

Comment by lake county democrat Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 12:58 pm
“The Tribune article on Welch’s arrest and later harassment complaint makes me wonder how the heck he got votes from any women in the caucus. Certainly someone among the 72 could be a leader and not bring this kind of baggage. It seems completely indefensible.”

Welch denied these things happened, just like Kavanaugh.
Women voted to confirm Kavanaugh too.

Comment by Mr. Green Genes Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 1:09 pm
If you can’t help but make it partisan…

Sad that you think domestic violence is a partisan issue. Very telling…

Comment by Birds on the Bat Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 1:14 pm
For the record, Welch placed 9th in the field for Delegate of 4th CD this past March. Granted it was a district he will likely never run in again, still not a bright spot…considering people brought up the fact that Jay lost in 2010.

Comment by Math Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 1:16 pm
- Birds on the Bat -

… and yet you support Trump, and also type this.

=== Apparently MeToo only applies to the right side of the aisle.===

The serious issues don’t need this idea of hypocrisy to the plank in one’s own eye.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 1:16 pm
@Lake County Democrat
Yes, Rep. Welch put out a statement denying what happened. He said that he and the woman in question are now on good terms. Unlike Kavanaugh, his accuser has not spoken out against him.

Comment by Inconvenient Truths Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 1:20 pm
Anybody taking odds on what Williams and Hoffman (? + Kifowit ++ ?) were promised in return for support of Welch?

Majority Leader? Major Committee chairmanships? Other?

Madigan has bequeathed something valuable - Black leadership - to his state. He’s also bequeathed it something not so valuable in shutting out women.

Madigan to the Southeastern bloc: Be careful what you wish for
Madigan to the House Democratic Women’s Caucus:
Ditto, in spades

One final, masterful stroke.

Comment by dbk Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 1:25 pm
== @Lake County Democrat
Yes, Rep. Welch put out a statement denying what happened. He said that he and the woman in question are now on good terms. Unlike Kavanaugh, his accuser has not spoken out against him. ==

His statement referred to it as a “verbal altercation” but did not explicitly deny it. Then he deflects and nonsensically blames Republicans. And that was only one allegation, there are two other lawsuits where he is accused of using his position of power over women in retaliation for petty personal reasons.

I wholeheartedly agree that in IL, there is a partisan double standard. It’s the opposite on the national level, where Democrats hold themselves to a much higher standard than Republicans.

Comment by Disgruntled IL Democrat Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 2:42 pm
Class act by MJM and now Speaker Welch.Best to both and the party and state.

Comment by Bear3 Wednesday, Jan 13, 21 @ 4:12 pm
All the Kavanaugh supporters coming out of the woodwork to denounce Chris Welch. You guys are hilarious.

Comment by 17% Solution Thursday, Jan 14, 21 @ 6:35 am

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