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* I talked to Batinick earlier today, but I was going to let him make his own announcement…
Rep. Mark Batinick confirms in a phone call he will announce his retirement from politics during his radio show at noon. He plans to complete his term, but won’t be running in 2022. House Republicans will lose their Floor Leader, one of the more thoughtful members of the House. https://t.co/WY3ik4oypx
— Mark Maxwell (@MarkMaxwellTV) November 3, 2021
* Rep. Batinick succeeded former House Republican Leader Tom Cross despite Cross’ support of a different candidate in a 2014 Republican primary. His opponent was also backed by the IEA and tried to paint Batinick as a radical right-winger (times have sure changed in GOP primaries). Batinick is now considered a moderate conservative. But, the truth is his ideology didn’t really change all that much. His caucus changed, though. A lot.
Rep. Batinick publicly pushed for a statewide mask mandate, giving the Democratic governor some much-needed political cover. He’s taken some hits for that back in the district, but he’s always been a pretty deft guy. Speaker Madigan went all-out against him in 2020, but he won by four points.
His new district is more Democratic than his current district, so this retirement is good news for the Democrats. However, the Democrats better hope the president gets his act together because there were some big surprises around the country yesterday, including this one…
The New Jersey Legislature could see a major shakeup — including the disappearance of its most prominent lawmaker, state Senate President Stephen Sweeney — following a closer-than-expected governor’s race between Gov. Phil Murphy and Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli.
It’s likely that Democrats will retain their nearly two-decade hold on the Legislature, the body in Trenton that crafts the state’s laws and passes the state budget. But their influence is poised to shrink.
Sweeney’s GOP opponent barely spent any money.
* Anyway, Oswego Willy snagged this yard sign for me during Batinick’s first race. He’s since dropped the Batman references…
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Nov 3, 21 @ 12:12 pm
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I’m Batinick…
He was one of the rational ones when it came to masks.
Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Nov 3, 21 @ 12:23 pm
No doubt he is too thoughtful for that peer group. Solid thinking and good participation isn’t rewarded.
Comment by A Guy Wednesday, Nov 3, 21 @ 12:23 pm
“Thoughtful” is absolutely the right way to describe him; best wishes on his next endeavors.
Comment by Chambananon Wednesday, Nov 3, 21 @ 12:29 pm
Wonderful person.
Comment by walker Wednesday, Nov 3, 21 @ 12:31 pm
I can’t say that I blame him. I expect more of these types of announcements in advance of petition circulation. Politics has become so toxic I do not know why people continue to serve in these roles.
Comment by Hannibal Lecter Wednesday, Nov 3, 21 @ 12:31 pm
===Batinick is now considered a moderate conservative. But, the truth is his ideology didn’t really change all that much. His caucus changed, though. A lot.===
Eight years seems like a lifetime ago. The push in the caucus moved, those who were/are true to themselves are deemed the “movers”, because self reflection is lost.
Who knows, Cross keeps ducking me on golf, maybe Batinick could find time for 9 holes and we can laugh at how things have changed, and how things never change too.
The sign, the “bat” sign, is something. There’s even a hint of innocence to it, in the best way, to merely running for office, but with a gimmick. It’s one of the cooler yard signs you’d ever see in the wild.
The bigger picture? After yesterday, who exactly knows how districts will play out, especially out here in ole Kendall and Will. Maybe even Kifowit might face a scare in a race.
I have appreciated Batinick appearing to be reasonable and thoughtful to positions that others wanted simple and divisive. The political thoughts to campaigns and campaigning are ones that made me think, for sure. In those two ways, I will miss Batinick in a caucus whew there were/are members willing to shrink the party because the group think explanations left no room for growth
May The Batman find peace in the Gotham region of Oswego, I’ll wait to see when the bat signal shines once more.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Nov 3, 21 @ 12:34 pm
Batinick is my favorite Republican. Smart, thoughtful and in a rarity these days, true to his conservative principles. He will be missed.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Wednesday, Nov 3, 21 @ 12:36 pm
Big loss for the house and IL. Reasonable (even if inconsistent) R voices are getting as scarce as Canada Dry ginger ale (supply chain beef, sorry)- I will cross fingers for whomever tries to fill that seat, but won’t hold my breath.
Comment by LoyalVirus Wednesday, Nov 3, 21 @ 1:57 pm
With Batinick leaving, and likely Demmer, that caucus is just gonna’ get crazier and crazier.
Comment by SaulGoodman Wednesday, Nov 3, 21 @ 2:34 pm
I’ve gotten to know Mark since I entered the legislature in 2017. While we always don’t agree on policy, there’s no legislator I respect more than Mark. He’s a hard-worker and engages with everyone. I wish him the best of luck in his next chapter of life.
Comment by Rep. Jonathan Carroll Wednesday, Nov 3, 21 @ 3:05 pm
I have to agree with everyone - Representative Batinick will be missed. Thankfully we all have another session with him. His hard work and his
thoughtfulness is
truly appreciated.
Comment by Across the Street Wednesday, Nov 3, 21 @ 4:22 pm
Weird how times have changed. Batinick is now a moderate. Check campaign filing reports. Gave 500 bucks to Darren Bailey against David Reis. Was a big Rauner cheerleader. Times do change. At least he was for masks. That makes all things better.
Comment by Decaturland Wednesday, Nov 3, 21 @ 6:24 pm