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* The highlight of my night…
This calendar throw was provisionally measured at 22 feet. Definitely worth a watch https://t.co/yWJagsUynn
— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) April 23, 2021
* Background from Dean Olsen at the State Journal-Register…
A Republican lawmaker from Springfield pounded his fist, screamed and threw a paper calendar across the Illinois House chamber Thursday night, saying he was frustrated Democrats won’t call a House vote on his bill to allow a referendum on a Capital Township merger with Sangamon County government.
“I’ve got a bill that is important to my community that the leadership will not call,” state Rep. Tim Butler said, referring to House Bill 2994.
In a three-minute speech shortly before 9 p.m., Butler accused Democrats who control the House of “putting your thumb” on the bill “for political reasons.”
Butler and House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, who was elected to lead the House in January, isn’t fulfilling his promise to bring a “new day” to the chamber. Butler said Welch promised to allow more Republican-sponsored bills to be debated than his predecessor, Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, and ease the strict control over House business that Madigan exercised for 38 years.
Welch’s promise “is a bunch of BS right now,” Butler said, looking to the Democratic side of the aisle. “… listen. Listen to your own words,” he said. “Listen to the speaker’s words.”
Rep. Butler’s bill zoomed out of committee with unanimous support and he has more than enough votes to pass it on the floor. But the Democrats have put a brick on it without explanation and he’s right to be upset.
* Check out the gif…
— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) April 23, 2021
Whew. I couldn’t stop watching that last night.
* Best reply…
House supplemental calendar number 1 is being distributed
— John Patterson (@backupflakattak) April 23, 2021
The calendar zipped right by Rep. Jonathan Carroll’s (D-Northbrook) head two rows forward. He had a good laugh about it.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 8:33 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
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This is one reason the GOP advocates term limits. They can profess plausible ignorance when provided the history of Pate Philip.
Comment by Anyone Remember Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 8:39 am
Well, based on the YouTube evidence, you can’t really say the bill isn’t going anywhere.
Comment by Sayitaintso Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 8:40 am
Butler Bandied About a Calendar, Hurls More Than Words at Colleagues
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 8:42 am
I know Mike Bost, Mr. Butler you are no Mike Bost.
Comment by Give Me A Break Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 8:44 am
Maybe Governor Bailey will lead a new GOP majority into the house so future hissy-fits can be avoided.
Comment by Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 8:45 am
I’d be much more in favor of township consolidation, if it also transferred the rights given to townships under the state constitution to whatever the township is being merged into.
The state constitution has some powerful rights assigned to townships, that just seem to be tossed aside in this merger concept.
I’m not sure if residents of townships understand they can put items on a township agenda at certain times of the year with zero interference from the township board. The power is fully with the residents in this case but not the board.
When the township goes away, so does this power given to the people.
Ironically, getting rid of a township would lead to the exact frustrating situation this republican is so upset about.
I can’t stress enough how important it is for people to fully understand the rights in the Illinois constitution they are giving away when dissolving a township.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 8:46 am
Proud to have Butler as my rep. His passion and commitment to his constituency is unmatched. A lot will be said about this here, but nobody can say he’s wrong.
Comment by Birds on the Bat Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 8:47 am
My first thought is that this was a feeble attempt to imitate the Mike Bost rant from years ago. Good try.
Comment by illini Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 8:47 am
I didn’t know Butler could be any more of a buffoon
Comment by Precinct Captain Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 8:47 am
That gif is top shelf, it’s use should be widespread.
No surprise Patterson led in the clubhouse and won the day. I’d say award-winning
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 8:47 am
“This side represents 5 million residents of this state”
So, less than a third.
Maybe work on that.
Comment by Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 8:47 am
Hmm too emotional to hold public office/lead they say…
Comment by The Failing New York Times Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 8:48 am
Oh boy. A childish tantrum on the house floor. Someone is trying to set themselves up for a run for congress.
Rep Butler’s neighbors better keep their dogs away from him.
Comment by Candy Dogood Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 8:48 am
Nice show but he’s got nothing on Vermillion County’s own legend, former House GOP Rep. Bill Black. Now that man could make hundreds of pages of a floor amendment fly!
Comment by Jeff Schoenberg Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 8:49 am
Correction, less than half.
Comment by Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 8:49 am
This does beg the question; where was this outrage and passion when our national Capitol was being sacked? Where is this outrage and passion when our children are being murdered by cops?
Comment by Candy Dogood Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 8:51 am
Rich, I think this is a good opportunity to resurrect the Bost paper toss.
Comment by Something about B Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 8:51 am
“So, less than a third.”
Solid math.
Comment by Phenomynous Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 8:53 am
===“This side represents 5 million residents of this state”
So, less than a third.===
Better check your math. IL’s declining population would be somewhere around 12.6 million these days, and a third would be 4.2 million. Still, no argument that the R side needs to learn the art that politics is a game of addition, not subtraction.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 8:54 am
Scouting report:
He’s got decent mechanics but like so many other Republicans, control issues have kept him in the minors.
Comment by Third Reading Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 8:55 am
Any idea why they put a brick on it? What is so controversial that the speaker doesn’t want this bill to be voted on? I must be missing something?
Comment by 10th Ward Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 8:57 am
It looks like the Cardinals could use him
Comment by Gohawks123 Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 8:57 am
Rich,
My neck was a little sore this morning…just sayin’
Comment by Rep Carroll Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 8:58 am
Something transpired in the legislature “for political reasons”?
Shocking.
– MrJM
Comment by @misterjayem Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 9:02 am
I am guessing the blue have seats on the Township board and making it county-wide is politically convenient for team red.
Comment by Al Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 9:02 am
Bill Black was the King. Long live the King. And Kudos to Butler for standing up for his district. Those if you belittling his “tantrum” obviously have not spent any time watching the GA over the last 25 years. At times it takes a little passion to be heard.
Comment by Black Bost Butler Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 9:04 am
At least he didn’t say…
“We represent more counties than that side of the aisle.”
It would be more on brand but as ridiculous as anything else you could say.
Win elections. Butler forgets 51 Dems were unopposed last cycle. That’s a bigger miss than tossing the calendar for political theatre.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 9:05 am
The session days are just flying by
Comment by Rabid Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 9:10 am
Phenonymous-
If you would scroll down you would see I corrected a simple typo.
However, you were too busy being cute.
I bet you’re not nearly this obnoxious face to face.
Comment by Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 9:10 am
Bost is the gold standard on tantrums with a prop (i.e. calendar for Butler; papers for Bost), but Black was a stellar red face ranter for the GOP (wasn’t Q at the time).
Effective, no. Entertaining, yes.
Comment by Norseman Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 9:15 am
“Today will be the last time I talk about us as Democrats and Republicans,” Welch said in a speech to lawmakers after becoming speaker. “I want to talk about us as being united. We are going to work together to be united.”
- Speaker Chris Welch, January 12, 2021
Apparently just words.
Comment by Birds on the Bat Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 9:15 am
It’s being held for politics but it was also run for politics. Capitol township is Dem, Sangamon County is GOP. Obviously the GOP can’t win the Township so just get their Rep Butler to eliminate the problem via legislation . Any Dem who votes to allow Butler to remove elected Dems so that area can be now controlled by a GOP county board instead is a moron.
Also maybe if you want your bills passed don’t keep doing press conferences blasting the new Speaker, which you’ve been doing for months.
Comment by Frank talks Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 9:19 am
It’s amazing how much state government has been reduced since the Bost paper throw.
I mean Rep. Bost had a huge stack of paper to toss. Rep. Butler had a mere pamphlet.
This is a celebration of government reduction and taxpayer savings.
Comment by Third Reading Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 9:21 am
Looks like they’ve found Bill Black’s replacement.
Comment by NIref Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 9:32 am
Bill Black is irreplaceable in the role.
Others have tried. Others have had reasonably measured success…
… but no one… will be Bill Black.
Still, the sidearm style delivery, sure Butler’s delivery might work out for a season or two, but long term those mechanics might cause long term damage.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 9:41 am
Good form on the toss. I don’t think he’s upset about his bill, he just wanted to audition for a spot on the ultimate frisbee championship team.
Comment by Steve Rogers Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 9:45 am
For those of you blaming this on “elections have consequences” you are the problem. We sent all these yahoos down there to do our business. Some of these bills with bricks on them are bi-partisan, good government bills. There is no excuse. We are (you actually, not me) responsible for this because we tolerate it.
Comment by allknowingmasterofraccoodom Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 9:49 am
He’s this upset that instead of passing his law consolidating the township into the county, the GA is likey to pass Sen. Turner’s bill consolidating it into the City of Springfield. He’s that mad about his Sang Co GOP buddies not getting the township’s resources and responsibilities. Calm down there bud. There’s plenty worse things to get upset about.
Comment by Downstate Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 9:51 am
Superminority member doing superminority stuff.
Comment by Can Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 9:55 am
=== Proud to have Butler as my rep===
Of his tantrum or his silliness.
This explains a great deal. Thank you.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 10:00 am
He’s showing Mike Bost how it’s properly done.
Comment by Glengarry Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 10:01 am
As funny as I think the GIF is, and as understandable as his anger is, I have to point out that most of us would be in deep, deep trouble of we did what he did. Considering the work environment problems exposed the last several years in the General Assembly, I think that type of aggression is pretty problematic.
Comment by Watcher of the Skies Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 10:01 am
When my kids do that I tell them it makes me less likely to give them what they want and maybe they need a nap. Does Mr Butler need a nap?
Comment by SWIL_Voter Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 10:06 am
Final thought on actual bill- why does the whole County get to decide whether or not the residents of Capitol Township can keep their Township? If the residents of Capitol township vote to keep their township but the voters outside the township in Sangamon County vote to eliminate it, it goes away. Seems exact opposite of local control.
Wrong bill to preach about good government. On the outside looks nice probably some good press clippings. On the underbelly it’s a political hit by the County GOP and Rep Butler to blatantly and shamelessly use his position of power and the legislative process because they couldn’t win elections and they want to control the dollars and resources from the Capitol Township. Nothing more nothing less.
Comment by Frank talks Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 10:06 am
I think Sen John L. Knuppel shill holds the distance record for soup throwing .
Comment by Bigtwich Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 10:06 am
Two things I’ve never heard brought up if Capital Township is dissolved:
1. If Capitol Township is dissolved and merged with Sangamon County, does the parts of the city that’s say, south of South Grand, become part of Woodside Township? And north of South Grand into Springfield Township?
2. If Capitol Township merges with the City, do the 4 township trustees join the Springfield City Council? Meaning the city is redistricted into 14 wards?
Comment by EssentialStateEmployeeFromChatham Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 10:10 am
Tim Butler is usually one of the most even keeled members of the House, with good relationships across the aisle. When he feels the need to act like this to get a point across, there is a problem.
When there are bills bottled up for no reason such as his local bill or Bourne’s HB636 which has 63 sponsors, it’s a problem.
Speaker Welch promised a new era of trying to work together, but when the minority party keeps watching bills with marginal support get advanced to the floor while some of their bills with overwhelming support get bottled up, there’s a problem.
I’m hopeful that Speaker Welch can live up to his interviews and rhetoric by fixing some of this.
Comment by SKI Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 10:12 am
The difference between Bost and Butler is on display: Bost went for a well-publicized ploy for attention…Butler lost his temper and had a good laugh about it afterwards with colleagues on both sides of the aisle.
Comment by NIU Grad Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 10:13 am
Imagine what the IL GOP would be saying in emails and press releases if instead of Butler yelling and throwing papers it were Ammons or LGB.
Comment by Downstate Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 10:14 am
Was he ever a second baseman? Nice pivot and throw for the double play.
Comment by Independent Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 10:20 am
=== When he feels the need to act like this to get a point across, there is a problem.===
There is… Butler isn’t as even keel as you think.
He got the adults attention, they all had a good laugh.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 10:22 am
==I am guessing the blue have seats on the Township board and making it county-wide is politically convenient for team red.==
Actually the Capitol Township trustees are currently 3 Republicans and 1 Democrat (Lakeisha Purchase).
Comment by EssentialStateEmployeeFromChatham Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 10:27 am
TantrumTim’s effort paled to the BossToss move—which propelled his to the U.S. House. Of course, BossToss rehearsed the move for 2 days. No one thinks the
”
new day” does not mean Ds consider bills that suck. wake up Durkie
Comment by Annonin' Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 10:29 am
=“This side represents 5 million residents of this state”=
I will take issue with that unconfirmed figure. They might have that many living in their districts, but many do not represent the interests of many of their constituents. Especially the eastern boc. they seem limited to the far right white angry people only. And the rest of the GQP stands by and does nothing.
Butler’s hissy fit was pathetic. He may have the right to be frustrated, go tell it to Merrick Garland. We see how the GQP acts when they have the majority. No sympathy from me.
Comment by JS Mill Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 10:32 am
I don’t feel enough attention is being paid to Ugaste. Is he a combat veteran? He appears to not be phased by the projectile. Or maybe he was asleep.
Comment by Hmm Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 10:36 am
=I’m hopeful that Speaker Welch can live up to his interviews and rhetoric by fixing some of this.=
When do you expect the GQP to change its’ behavior? I hear the rhetoric from the GQP about getting their bills past and the speaker/ILDP behavior. But crickets when it comes to their side of the aisle.
You know, the same side with Bailley, the Miller’s (the insurrectionist supporters) Demmer, Sandack et al. Don’t forget the tantrum throwing governor that refused to agree to a budget for three years.
Maybe a little self reflection would be useful.
Comment by JS Mill Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 10:38 am
Don’t have much respect for anyone who get so angry they start throwing things. Don’t think it’s very funny either.
Comment by Huh? Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 10:39 am
All is not lost.
Rep. Butler can sign on to Senator Turners’ better bill that’s already headed over to the House.
Comment by Third Reading Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 10:48 am
Did not see any peeps from TantrumTim when Ray Lahood did his plea deal for lying to FBI and filing false ethics docs and paying $40K fine for his “loan”
Let’s zip the Turner bill on to JB
Comment by Annonin' Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 11:04 am
As many have noted, I immediately thought of Bill Black. There should be one of year end Capitol Fax awards named after him for hysteric throwing. Additionally, love the Knuppel reference. It is nominated for “flashback of the day.”
Comment by Lt Guv Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 11:11 am
Bears need a QB; looks like Butler has a shot at the short-pass game if he wants it.
Seriously, Butler has a point, but it goes beyond his bill. Every session thousands of bills are filed; most die in committee. Maybe more need to die in committee, or both parties need to reign in their bills to the truly important bipartisan or nonpartisan bills.
Or we need longer sessions, or some combination of fixes. How and why it takes a State law to do this projected consolidation in the first place is odd, but this is Illinois, so…..
Comment by thisjustinagain Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 11:18 am
I’m with Bigtwitch - Black? Bost? And now Butler? Please - the pre-digital media soup event is still my standard.
Comment by Johnny Tractor Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 11:33 am
Black could get more height when tossing the rule book.
It is curious why the Speaker put a brick on it. What do township Dems say about Butler’s bill?
Comment by anon2 Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 11:49 am
“What do township Dems say about Butler’s bill?”
Perhaps that answer is found in Senator Turner’s SB 826, which arrived in the House today? Hint - the House sponsor is … Speaker Welch.
https://ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=826&GAID=16&DocTypeID=SB&LegId=133453&SessionID=110&GA=102
Comment by Anyone Remember Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 11:51 am
When I’m in large meetings, I wear a hearing device that picks up whatever sounds are going into the microphones. I have to wear the device in my “good” ear, so when one of these spoiled men starts raging, it can be painful. Also, I have PTS so if someone sitting close to me has a violent tantrum I will sometimes flash back and dissociate. You wouldn’t be able to tell, and it doesn’t stop me having a public life but I await the day these bully boys are shunned instead of applauded.
Comment by yinn Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 11:51 am
=== “Today will be the last time I talk about us as Democrats and Republicans,” Welch said in a speech to lawmakers after becoming speaker. “I want to talk about us as being united. We are going to work together to be united.”
- Speaker Chris Welch, January 12, 2021
Apparently just words.===
So throw a tantrum and act like a child?
I mean, if we’re talking integrity and stuff, lol
It appears the Speaker wants to run “another” bill.
In the end, Butler will be known in this instance for the toss not the bill that made the toss possible.
Even Butler knows it’s a joke, the tantrum… don’t you?
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 11:59 am
=== For those of you blaming this on “elections have consequences” you are the problem===
LOL
So now elections don’t matter?
This isn’t even dorm room worthy, this is grade school naive.
Win seats.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 12:04 pm
=== We are (you actually, not me) responsible for this because we tolerate it.===
… and yet it seems like the majority will be able to get their priorities to a governor who will sign a great many.
That’s governing, and elections, and I’ll tolerate that type of governing even to bills I disagree.
If I want it changed, win elections.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 12:06 pm
I’m thinkin they’ve got a pitcher at the next legislative softball game. Just sayin.
Comment by PublicServant Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 12:07 pm
Hmm-
Indeed, Dan Ugaste was very collected. Even had a sip of his drink during Butler’s rant.
Comment by Proud Sucker Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 1:06 pm
“Watching the days go by…”
Comment by Soccermom Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 1:43 pm
Was Rep. Butler by any chance a paper boy earlier in life?
Comment by Bond Guy Friday, Apr 23, 21 @ 4:31 pm