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* Illinois Review…
Congressman Adam Kinzinger of IL’s 16th CD congratulated Joe Biden on his inauguration Wednesday, just days after calling for Donald Trump’s impeachment. Voters within Illinois’ 16th CD are not happy with Kinzinger’s comments and positions - so much so, a movement is simmering to censure the congressman.
Following the lead of Republicans in Congresswoman Liz Cheney’s Wyoming district who unanimously agreed to condemn their US representative to Congress, Republican Precinct Committeeman Austin Davies called for Kinzinger to be censured.
* From the proposed censure resolution…
WHEREAS, said article of impeachment charges, inter alia, that President Donald J. Trump “repeatedly issued false statements asserting that the Presidential election results were the product of widespread fraud and should not be accepted by the American people or certified by State or Federal officials”; and
WHEREAS, said article of impeachment charges, inter alia, that President Donald J. Trump “willfully made statements that, in context, encouraged—and foreseeably resulted in—lawless action at the Capitol, such as: ‘if you don’t fight like hell you’re not going to have a country anymore’”; and
WHEREAS, said article of impeachment charges, inter alia, that President Donald J. Trump “gravely endangered the security of the United States and its institutions of Government. He threatened the integrity of the democratic system, interfered with the peaceful transition of power, and imperiled a coequal branch of Government. He thereby betrayed his trust as President, to the manifest injury of the people of the United States”; and
WHEREAS, without evidence that President Donald J. Trump committed any High Crimes or Misdemeanors, Representative Adam Kinzinger voted in favor of these articles to impeach President Donald J. Trump;
* Um, OK
“We’ll consider the proposal that was made and let the facts drive the choice. We don’t want to be reactionary,” Winnebago GOP Vice Chairman John Guevara told Playbook.
WHEREAS, throughout the 2020 presidential election there had been widespread and credible accounts of voter fraud, some which have resulted in prosecution; and
WHEREAS, during the January 6, 2021 protest at the United States Capitol, Representative Adam Kinzinger made baseless, public claims that “This is a coup attempt,” that President Donald J. Trump is “not protecting the country,” and that “You are done and your legacy will be a disaster”; and
WHEREAS, video and photographic evidence suggests that Black Lives Matter or similar terroristic groups like Antifa instigated the violence at and incursion into the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021, the FBI has admitted it has evidence that the incursion was planned weeks in advance of the President’s rally and speech that took place on January 6, 2021, and on January 14, 2021, the day after the House approved the article of impeachment, Black Lives Matter organizer John Earle Sullivan, who can be seen disguised in photos on January 6, 2021 at the Capitol wearing a Trump hat, was arrested for his involvement in the violent acts that day; and
The fraud claim is such totally ridiculous nonsense. People who believe insane lies are responsible for their own actions. And those actions cannot be excused.
The John Earle Sullivan stuff is debunked here. Sullivan also said at one point “we got to rip Trump out of office” which was not exactly the aim of the insurrectionists.
* I asked Kinzinger’s campaign office for comment…
The Congressman, along with his team, has enjoyed a long relationship with the Winnebago County GOP. Congressman Kinzinger looks forward to building on that solid foundation as they work together to navigate these next four years under a Democrat majority and through the course of this pandemic, keeping the focus on serving the community and the shared interests of the party
* ProPublica has posted numerous videos from the insurrectionist riot that its team found on Parler. Let’s have a look. A word of caution that there’s violence and not-safe-for-work language. We’ll start with this one…
Such nice guys.
* Throwing a chair at retreating police officers in the US Capitol…
* “Where do they count the votes?”…
* During the attempt to storm the US Capitol, insurrectionists referred to police as “traitors”…
* Just a bunch of peaceful protesters upset about legitimate grievances. Right…
* Last one…
* From Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford)…
Adam is a friend of mine but in this case he made a mistake. People are very angry with him. They believe he overreacted before doing his homework. Instead of calling out those who broke the law, some who have now been proven not to be Trump supporters he joined Pelosi in a political impeachment not a legal one.
Politically it becomes a problem. Locally Democrats are saying he supported Trump’s initiatives all these years and he did this just to try to get cover going into remapping. And Republicans also think the motive was political.
He has a difficult road ahead.
No, Senator. Your party has a difficult road ahead.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 2:02 pm
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What a political walk back. Real profile in courage there.
Comment by Boone's is Back Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 2:08 pm
Republicans need to be very, very quiet for a couple of years at least. Maybe by then we’ll forget some of them tried to overthrow the government.
Comment by Cheryl44 Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 2:09 pm
“suggests that Black Lives Matter or similar terroristic groups like Antifa instigated the violence at and incursion into the United States Capitol”
Ohhh boy, they really went in the deep end there. You’d think after losing their local Trump-backing state representative they would spend some time looking in a mirror.
Comment by NIU Grad Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 2:10 pm
Using violence to actually delay and attempt to deny a constitutional transfer of power is insurrection.
Believing that there was widespread vote fraud, or even any vote fraud at a scale enough to create any difference in the outcome of the election, is mental illness.
Not actually believing that there was massive voter fraud and still supporting violent insurrection is evil.
Comment by Ok Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 2:11 pm
Anyone who thinks this was a BLM/Antifa operation is stone cold crazy and should be disqualified from holding any public office in America. It’s a slanderous lie and it needs to be called out each and every time someone spits that garbage. That toxic level is delusion is dangerous.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 2:12 pm
===Maybe by then we’ll forget some of them tried to overthrow the government.===
My township supervisor was arrested by the secret service last week for fraud and embezzlement.
My county board member is trying to erase her social media presence after previously posting a live video of herself in DC during the insurrection.
Being silent for a few years is step two. Not constantly committing blatantly obvious crimes and getting arrested by federal authorities is step one.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 2:20 pm
What, no mention of Q?
Comment by Montrose Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 2:22 pm
Meanwhile, in Portland…. crickets from the dems.
Comment by Underdog Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 2:24 pm
The only way forward for the Republican Party is through a repudiation of Trumps’ election lies. Otherwise they will become a fringe group.
They do not have to condemn all that he did. Just his refusal to accept defeat and work for a peaceful and safe transfer of power.
Comment by Last Bull Moose Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 2:25 pm
TheInvisibleMan, you think you’ve got it bad, Mary Miller is my congress critter.
Comment by Gruntled University Employee Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 2:25 pm
=== Meanwhile, in Portland===
… it wasn’t, and isn’t… an insurrection of the United States government, or putting the chain of leadership in harms way, so much so the VP, the VP-elect, and the Speaker of the House were deemed at risk.
But, keep “whatabout”-ing.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 2:26 pm
I still cannot believe that a good majority of the Republican Party is still pushing this voter fraud nonsense. It’s been months since the election and they haven’t been able to provide a cintilla of evidence to back up their claims. You would think if it was as egregious as they say providing evidence wouldn’t be a big deal.
And I also cannot believe that some push this nonsense that the insurrection at the Capitol was some sort of false flag event. Bull.
As I said the other day. The Republican Party has turned into a bunch of pathetic people.
Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 2:27 pm
Kinzinger’s mistake was not acted to stop Trump earlier. Syverson’s views are typical for the corrupt GOP as it now stands. No lie is too much to repeat. Now we have him and apparently most of the party adopting the big lie to justify overthrowing a fairly elected president. Even worse, we have another lie to cover up the deadly insurrection that they inspired.
The party of Lincoln, my party, is no more. It’s now the corrupt and anti-democratic Trump party.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 2:28 pm
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 2:12 pm:
“Anyone who thinks this was a BLM/Antifa operation is stone cold crazy and should be disqualified from holding any public office in America.”
Thanks, 47th Ward…for exposing liars…These people have to be called out as liars…publicly and loudly…until they stop lying through their insurrectionist teeth.
Comment by Dotnonymous Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 2:29 pm
Shout out to Antifa’s communications director. The group doesn’t even exist, and it gets tons of press. Well done. /s
One more time. With feeling. Antifa is not a group. It is anti fascism. Are you opposed to fascism? Congratulations, you’re Antifa.
Comment by Can Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 2:29 pm
===Meanwhile, in Portland
Given the Democratic Party of Oregon was vandalized…what is your point here? And the DPO criticized the vandalism.
Comment by ArchPundit Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 2:30 pm
Enough Republicans should vote in the Senate to convict and block Trump from running again. The GOP needs to rid itself of fascism. But Trump wasn’t born in a vacuum, he came to be through years of hostile politics and obstruction, and years of right wing media.
As much as I’ve detested their policies/governing styles, leaders McConnell and Pence stood strong for democracy by rejecting a very real attempt to overthrow it. The SCOTUS justices I deeply oppose, and other justices and government officials in this vein, did a superb job in upholding our democracy. As President Biden said in his inaugural speech, we can disagree vehemently as long as we do it peaceably within the guardrails of our democracy.
Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 2:30 pm
this is not helping them, but it is helping Kinzinger. he gets that but he’s moderate shine on him that he does not deserve (NARAL zero and did not vote for impeachment before). as for those who equate Portland with the insurrection, you are in deep serious denial about what happened in DC vs. elsewhere. violence is not good anywhere, but working to overthrow our government is a whole different level of violence. It’s called treason.
Comment by Amalia Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 2:31 pm
“WHEREAS, without evidence”, how can he say that with a straight face. If Kinzinger wants to move into my district, I would proudly vote for him.
Comment by Not a Lawyer Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 2:36 pm
As a former History and government teacher it is clear to me that NONE of these people paid attention in school. Including Syverson, and especially the censure folks.
Never do we carry a banner for an individual (demagogue) like these people do. It is not patriotic, it is absolutely antithetical to the ideals of our American Republic. E Pluribus Unum does not mean one individual but one whole.
They do not understand.
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 2:37 pm
If the wingers of this party don’t split off into the Patriot party, can we please have the few sensible Republicans like Kinzinger please break off and form something to be proud of?
But what to call it?
Comment by 618er Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 2:38 pm
==without evidence==
Yeah. That particular argument is pretty rich coming for an organization who in the same resolution continues to spout nonsensical allegations of voter fraud - without evidence.
Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 2:38 pm
=== it wasnt or isnt the same.===
Insurrection and treason.
Are you that dense that you must make it a political statement that you are ignorant to what exactly happened?
The sitting President of the United States incited an insurrection of the government to “stop the steal”, which was in truth the finalizing the results of our fair and free election.
That’s not even in the neighborhood of the parking lot of the ball park of Portland, and further, the chain of American leadership was in peril, not an opinion, but a fact that those in protective services knew when ushering our leaders to safety.
Stop the “whatabout”-ing
I am also not a Dem.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 2:39 pm
A State Senator who has been in office for almost 30 years, who is downplaying Trump supporters involvement with the riot, criticizing a Congressman of his same party, a distinguished National Guard member who stood on principle?
Hmmm.
Maybe the Senator is the one who “overreacted”?
Comment by Inverted Pyramid Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 2:40 pm
Disgusting. That’s a polite word for it.
== Instead of calling out those who broke the law, some who have now been proven not to be Trump supporters he joined Pelosi in a political impeachment not a legal one.==
Senator, the fact that someone in your position believes there is a difference between a “political” and “legal” impeachment is embarassing. For you.
== Politically it becomes a problem. ==
Sometimes doing the right thing has political consequences. Those who still do the right think, like the Representative, are deserving of much more respect and admiration than someone who caves to ignorant mobs, like you.
Just embarrassing.
Comment by fs Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 2:45 pm
Quick thought;
Defending the insurrection of the United States and downplaying the president of your party who incited the insurrection is going to help a party be viable… and attacking a party member speaking to the truth of an insurrection of the United States by the party’s sitting president is… good? Good politics? Helping the party survive?
Just a thought.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 2:45 pm
I’ve had my share of policy disagreements with Senator Syverson over the years, but always respected him as a principled conservative. I was wrong.
Comment by Telly Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 2:51 pm
Rockford - I liked Lynn Martin. Whappen’d?
Comment by lake county democrat Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 2:59 pm
I too have worked with Syverson for over 20 years and he gets weird sometimes. I’m kinda willing to give him a pass today. The comment by Underdog about Portland is simply divorced from reality. The idiots in Portland were self-identified as anarchists who were OPPOSED to Biden and Trump. The attacked Democrat party offices and were holding up signs that said “we’re ungovernable”. That’s the wrong thing to do full stop but to compare that to 10,000 people marching from a Trump rally to the Capitol waving Trump flags and then attacking that building, it’s employees in an effort to stop the certification of an election is beyond ridiculous. As Rich frequently says “be better”.
Comment by Visa Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 3:07 pm
==Rockford - I liked Lynn Martin. Whappen’d?== Dave Syverson happened back in the ’90’s. That’s what.
=== Meanwhile, in Portland===
Everyone who committed a crime in Portland should be prosecuted just like every idiot in the January 6th coup attempt should be prosecuted. Where’s the disparity?
I can’t believe the depth of the willful neglect of truth today. It’s frightening.
Comment by Lt Guv Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 3:09 pm
Syverson used to be a reform-minded conservative. He, Rauschenberger and Peter Fitzgerald were GOP versions of Senator Paul Simon who stuck with their principles but were happy to work with Democrats where their principles overlapped.
Syverson, for example, co-sponsored the Expansion of child health insurance in Illinois with Barack Obama.
I don’t know if it’s the fact his district was redrawn, old-age is taking its toll, or they guy just spends too much time on Facebook, but he barely resembles his former self.
Comment by Thomas Paine Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 3:13 pm
Underdog, you guys will keep losing as long as you keep promoting wacko conspiracy theories. We have a seat at the adult table whenever you’re ready to take the tin foil off, friend.
Comment by Commisar Gritty Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 3:14 pm
=== Why is it so hard===
(Sigh)
You’re asking the wrong question;
Why are Trumpkins so willing to downplay an insurrection as the same as already condemned “looting, rioting, and civil disobedience”
See, here’s the sitch;
As I sit, the Trumpkins don’t see insurrection as bad, just the same as already acknowledged rioting.
That way, the overthrowing of American democracy by racists can be ok and they can welcome the bad folks back into the Trump party.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 3:16 pm
Wow. I mean, WOOOOOOOOOOW. I frankly think the Senate needs to have a trial just to clear all this nonsense up for people like Austin. There are factual events that took place. But, sure, blame Kinzinger for being against a mob attack on the legislative branch. Wild stuff.
Comment by Biker Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 3:18 pm
First off the use of ‘inter alia’, dude read the room of your fellow committeemen (I used to be one in a different place, I know), back in 2015 the Aurora Township GOP censured Mark Kirk, we see how well that worked out for everyone.
We didn’t look back at Bush and wish either Bush returned. It’s time to move forward. Take it from a guy who was a big fan of Jack Ryan, do not invest emotionally in candidates, it just doesn’t work out.
Comment by OneMan Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 3:31 pm
=next four years under a democratic majority=
Didn’t realize team Kinzinger is conceding the 2022 midterms already.
Comment by Sean Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 3:35 pm
Austin Davies may not be a perfectly coherent thinker, e.g. https://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2016/05/rockford-gop-precinct-captain-files-complaint-against-donald-trump-candidacy.html
– MrJM
Comment by @misterjayem Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 3:39 pm
== back in 2015 the Aurora Township GOP censured Mark Kirk, we see how well that worked out for everyone.==
Two of the biggest targets/obsessions of the circular firing squad leaders the last 15-20 years were Kirk and Topinka. If there is one thing they can’t stand, it’s moderates who can actually win statewide elections.
Comment by fs Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 3:46 pm
Finally… “to the post”;
What I’m not going to do is catalog in this Post that Rich has where the sheer ignorance to what the folks who are “at odds” with Kinzinger sit.
Each, be it a group or even an “individual”, the reality is this.
Trumpkins don’t see insurrection as bad, just the same as already acknowledged rioting.
That way, the overthrowing of American democracy by racists can be ok and they can welcome the bad folks back into the Trump party.
Saving a party as Del Mar says by having candidates be embraced by “all Republicans” is downplaying the insurrection that Kinzinger sees not only as wrong but impeachable, and attacking Kinzinger to keep those angry racist who can “whatabout” an insurrection part of a failed Trump party, yeah… I’m with Kinzinger, if we’re choosing sides, thanks.
I said this yesterday and it’s apt here too;
The next 6-8 months leading up to (a) map(s) and petitions will be a real crossroads for me, well beyond a single cycle of politics.
There’s no easing back to a normalcy of Illinois Republican. This is the last chance for a party to build, or be forever a marginalized politic.
We need a strong two party system where comprising and leading isn’t seen with hatred and distain, and in the end, if we all don’t see eye to eye, we all know everyone is striving for a greater good, and we agree that’s ALL our mission.
We’ll (I’ll) see in these 6-8 months in Illinois.
Kinzinger is right, there is a battle in the ILGOP.
Siding with the eastern bloc, the cowards of the Republican CongressCritters who “just couldn’t” impeach a POTUS who incited an insurrection… time will show so much.
If this is how the next 6-8 months are going to go, my hope for a two party Illinois will be gone, and with me with it, and proud not to stand with those excusing insurrectionists.
I’m paying attention, Congressman Kinzinger, can you keep my attention. It’s up to you.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 3:47 pm
rich, i think it would be a benefit to all of your subscribers to ask republican members of the ilga if they believe that the election was fair and if they denounce all those who took over the capitol. i think that they need to be on the record.
Comment by blue line Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 3:49 pm
I think what Sen. Syverson is trying to say is “Adam wasn’t necessarily wrong, but it was a political mistake to take a stand for what was right.”
Comment by Emanuel Collective Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 3:51 pm
Can we get a viable 3rd party please? Or can we just move the Trumpettes to a 3rd non viable party? Because the GOP has failed to uphold their own past principles. I refer to past principles because their current principles were to just follow Donals Trump off the cliff.
As I said yesterday, I would gladly vote for Kinzinger. The rest of the GOP no longer gets my vote. I cannot understand how their minds work and they frighten me. Anyone who doesn’t understand how we got to January 6 isn’t fit to hold office.
Comment by thoughts matter Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 4:14 pm
Call it for what it is. Sen. Syverson is covering his own behind while throwing his “friend” under the bus for having morals in public view. Apparently, standing up for what is right means political death in the rule book of the GOP now.
Comment by EssentialWorkingMom Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 4:16 pm
Well at least this resolution wasn’t as personally hateful as the one the AZ GOP did for Cindy McCain.
If Kinzinger’s vote was one of conscience then his vote definitely was not one of mistake. Many of the rioters have said they thought they were just following Trump’s wishes in going to the Capitol so it seems clear to me factually that he incited them regardless of that John Sullivan guy being a possible left-wing agitator.
But I think Syverson’s political analysis is correct.
Obviously the majority of the Republican base is unwilling or unable to admit they were conned by Trump so that is rough for Kinzinger. And while I appreciate Kinzinger doing the right thing since the election, as a Dem, it feels too little too late.
Where was he on the first impeachment when Justin Amash was willing to give up his political career to do the right thing? Where was he speaking out against voting Trump like Mitt Romney did before Nov. 3?
How could he sincerely believe all of what he says he believes now about Trump and be honest in saying he voted for his reelection? It feels re-map motivated.
I hope for the sake of the country he succeeds in reforming the Republican Party but as a Dem he still does not deserve my support.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 4:16 pm
Can we trade Darren LaHood and a first round draft choice in 2022 for Adam Kinzinger?
Comment by Skeptic Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 4:17 pm
It’s so fascinating that Sen. Syverson, like Rep. Rodney Davis in a statement last week, cannot call Speaker Nancy Pelosi by her proper title “Speaker.”
They just call her “Pelosi.”
A small matter of elementary civility and respect, and they can’t even manage it.
Must be in the same right-wing GOP style guide as don’t call it the Democratic Party, call it the “Democrat Party.”
Sen. Syverson and Rep. Davis are emblematic of what the current GOP is and, I predict, is going to be for some time to come.
Comment by Moe Berg Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 5:14 pm
While I agree with Sen. Syverson that the vote puts Kinzinger in a difficult spot, I don’t think he gets a pass. Syverson did say, “Instead of calling out those who broke the law, some who have now been proven not to be Trump supporters” and called it a political impeachment. Last I saw there was 1 non-Trump arrest and “some” is basically equivalent to “both sides.” I can find evidence of “some” for pretty much anything, so it’s a weasel word. His statement is basically a defense of the censure and Trump.
Comment by MyTwoCents Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 5:31 pm
So many “good people” in the grand old party. Makes me feel great about the future of this country.
Comment by Rich Hill Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 5:44 pm
Excuse me Dave Syverson, but blaming this on the left or “others” is not helpful. Republicans need to admit what they did.
Comment by 33rd ward Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 5:57 pm