Month: February 2018

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Mike Madigan: “I’m Not Resigning.”

With so much baggage, are J.B. Pritzker, House Democrats, and others prepared to run with Madigan as their party leader in 2018?

Mike Madigan has made his position clear: he’s here to stay as Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives and Chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois.

In a press conference that raised more questions than answers, Madigan said, “I’M NOT RESIGNING,” when asked whether his mishandling of sexual harassment allegations within his organizations meant his time in Springfield is up.

Watch HERE.

The question remains – With so much baggage, are J.B. Pritzker, House Democrats, and others prepared to run with Madigan as their party leader in 2018?

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ILGOP Releases Digital Ad: Unwillingness

As J.B. Pritzker continually refuses to criticize Madigan, The News-Gazette calls Pritzker a “hollow man” who only cares about ambition and “toadying for Madigan”

“J.B. Pritzker is completely incapable of criticizing Madigan – for absolutely anything. Even as Illinois Democrats call on Madigan to resign his top party posts, you’d think a billionaire who claims ‘independence’ from Madigan would have the gumption to join in on the criticism, but no. Pritzker refuses to criticize Madigan because Pritzker owes his candidacy to Madigan and, if given the chance, would work hand in hand with him to maintain their corrupt, broken system in Springfield.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot

Today, the Illinois Republican Party released a new digital ad, Unwillingness. The ad highlights J.B. Pritzker’s refusal criticize Mike Madigan for his mishandling of sexual harassment complaints within his political organizations. Even as leading Illinois Democrats like Chris Kennedy and Daniel Biss call on Madigan to resign his top party posts, Pritzker remains silent. Why?

In their endorsement of Chris Kennedy in the Democratic primary for governor, The News-Gazette gives us a window into Pritzker’s candidacy for governor.

Whether it’s his undying loyalty to Mike Madigan, cozying up to crooked politicians like Rod Blagojevich, or devotion to personal ambition over the public interest, J.B. Pritzker is the status quo candidate who will protect and empower party bosses like Madigan, even as their political organizations are dominated by a culture of sexual harassment and corruption.

Watch the ad HERE.

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Media Calls Out J.B. Pritzker For Refusing To Say If Mike Madigan Should Resign His Top Party Posts

“Pritzker did not answer a panelist’s question of whether Madigan should give up his party chairmanship, his speaker role or both.”

As Illinois Democrats turn up the heat on Mike Madigan for his mishandling of sexual assault allegations within his political organization, one Democrat has given Madigan his tacit support – J.B. Pritzker, Madigan’s candidate for governor.

But media outlets aren’t letting Pritzker off the hook for his refusal to answer a simple question that’s on everybody’s minds – ‘should Mike Madigan resign as Chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois, House Speaker, or both?’

WCIA’s Raquel Martin reported [WATCH] that Pritzker is still reluctant to answer whether or not Madigan should step down from his top party posts. WCIA’s Marx Maxwell also reported that J.B. Pritzker still hasn’t answered said whether or not Madigan should step down. Martin also interviewed [WATCH] Daniel Biss, who confirmed everyone’s suspicions and declared that J.B. Pritzker is Mike Madigan’s candidate for governor.

From the Chicago Sun-Times:

Billionaire entrepreneur J.B. Pritzker sidestepped questions Wednesday about whether Mike Madigan should step down as state House speaker and chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party in light of the party leader’s handling of sexual harassment allegations within his own political organization.

Pritzker, who is backed by unions and heavy-hitting Democrats — many allied with the speaker — was asked twice during a Downstate gubernatorial debate whether he believed Madigan should withdraw from either role.

“He said he was going to answer the question but didn’t, because he hasn’t gotten permission yet from Madigan to answer that question,” state Sen. Daniel Biss, D-Evanston, quipped.

On his second try, Pritzker still avoided the question, saying an independent investigation prompted by Madigan “will determine who the perpetrators are and who is truly responsible.”

…Madigan has become a troublesome issue for Pritzker. The gubernatorial candidate has been slow to question the behavior of the powerful, but increasingly unpopular, party leader.

From the Chicago Tribune:

…Biss indicated he agreed. “It took J.B. Pritzker a week to get permission from Mike Madigan to even name him in talking about this sexual harassment cover-up,” Biss said.

…Madigan has been around “too long,” is “too powerful” and “has been a problem in the state of Illinois” and the state Democratic Party “for quite some time,” Biss added.

But Pritzker did not answer a panelist’s question of whether Madigan should give up his party chairmanship, his speaker role or both.

“He hasn’t gotten permission yet from Madigan to answer that question,” said Biss in noting the dodge.

From the Associated Press:

Pritzker took the brunt of criticism from the other candidates because he has not said whether long-term House Speaker Michael Madigan, also the Illinois Democratic Party chairman, should step aside over his handling of two cases of campaign workers accused by women of sexual harassment.

Either J.B. Pritzker genuinely thinks Mike Madigan is doing a great job as Chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois, or Dan Biss is right and Mike Madigan won’t let Pritzker criticize Madigan on any issue.

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J.B. Pritzker Remains Silent as State Journal-Register, Chicago Tribune and Top Democrats Call on Mike Madigan To Resign State Party Chairmanship

Spineless Pritzker still refuses to buck Madigan and answer a very simple question – ‘should Madigan resign his state party chairmanship?’

“J.B. Pritzker is spineless. Even as top Illinois Democrats and two of Illinois’ leading newspapers call on Mike Madigan to resign his post as Chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois for his mishandling of a sexual harassment scandal, Pritzker remains silent. Why? Because Mike Madigan is the man behind J.B. Pritzker’s campaign for governor.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot

In what may be unprecedented editorials from two of Illinois’ top newspapers, the State Journal-Register and Chicago Tribune called on Illinois Democrats to force House Speaker Mike Madigan to resign his post as Chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois in light of Madigan’s mishandling of sexual harassment complaints within his political organizations.

From the State Journal-Register editorial:

…But it took public complaints for Madigan and company to act — an illustration of how unimportant it was for them to have a legislative inspector general until it became politically unpopular for there not to be one.

And now, Madigan faces similar issues about how his political operation is run. Once again, it appears it took negative public attention to push Madigan into motion.

…Organizations reflect their leadership. Even if Madigan was not initially personally aware of these allegations in his political operation, he has allowed an environment to flourish that allowed harassment and bullying.

…The concentration of power that Madigan holds isn’t healthy for Illinois Democrats. They should no longer accept that the speaker can also be the party chairman. It’s time for the state’s Democrats to demand change. They can start by insisting Madigan step down as chairman.

From the Chicago Tribune editorial:

It’s proper that House Speaker Michael Madigan acknowledges his failure to be a leader in the fight against sexual harassment and bullying in Illinois government and politics. It’s also stunning, given his clenched grip on power and his reluctance to take responsibility for the state of this state. We can’t remember the last time Madigan publicly displayed such humility.

…Now we are witnessing a political uprising against Madigan by a force he cannot ignore and may not outmaneuver: Female Democratic politicians — at first disappointingly, almost deafeningly quiet — have begun telling Madigan his promises to change the culture in Illinois aren’t enough. State Rep. Kelly Cassidy of Chicago wants an independent investigation of Madigan’s organizations to “rip the Band-Aid off” mistreatment. So does state Sen. Melinda Bush of Grayslake. Other Democrats, some in the thick of the primary campaign, are chiming in. Candidate for governor Chris Kennedy wants Madigan to resign as party chairman. So does Marie Newman, running for Congress against Madigan ally Rep. Dan Lipinski.

…It’s on other Illinois Democrats — his caucus members, other officeholders but also voters — to force Madigan’s hand. At minimum here must be an independent investigation of his legislative offices and political operations to detail precisely how he handled allegations of harassment and bullying. Beyond that, Democrats have to decide whether, for the good and reputation of their party and the legislature, Madigan should shed some of his titles.

Top names in the Democratic Party of Illinois are joining the State Journal-Register and Chicago Tribune in calling for Madigan’s resignation as party chairman as well:

  • State Sen. Daniel Biss: Sen. Daniel Biss has called for Madigan to step down from his dual position as chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois
  • State Sen. Kwame Raoul: “Is it time for new leadership in the party? Yea, I believe in passing the baton…”
  • State Rep. Litesa Wallace: Rep. Litesa Wallace says that House Speaker Mike Madigan should resign as Chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party, and is also questioning whether he can remain as Speaker.
  • State Rep. Scott Drury: Democratic attorney general candidate Scott Drury doubled down on his previous call for Madigan to resign.
  • Sharon Fairley: “Speaker Madigan should step down as the chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois – and as House Speaker…”
  • Marie Newman: “It is time for Michael Madigan to resign as chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois.”

Noticeably absent from the Democratic chorus demanding Mike Madigan’s resignation is J.B. Pritzker, Madigan’s candidate for governor.

When will J.B. Pritzker grow a spine and demand Madigan resign his post as party chairman? Most likely never because Madigan is the man behind Pritzker’s campaign for governor.

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Statewide Media Calls Out J.B. Pritzker’s Refusal to Criticize Mike Madigan’s Role in Sexual Harassment Scandals

It’s been one week since sexual harassment scandals first broke out in Mike Madigan’s political operation and the response from J.B. Pritzker each time he’s been asked has been anything but strong. Media outlets around the state have reported on how Pritzker has refused to criticize Madigan’s role in these cases and that Pritzker has danced around questions so as to stay on the good side of the House Speaker.

WCIA’s Mark Maxwell: “The statement from JB Pritzker and Juliana Stratton mirrors Speaker Madigan’s, says Alaina Hampton has ‘courage’ and ‘strength and honesty.”’Statement makes no mention of Madigan’s response to it.” (2/13)

Chicago Sun-Times: “J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday tiptoed around criticizing Mike Madigan over the state Democratic Party chairman’s handling of a sexual harassment complaint.” (2/14)

ABC’s Craig Wall: “‘A long while. Only when pushed.’ — Sun-Times: Pritzker takes a while to say Madigan took too long to fire aide” (2/14)

Capitol Fax: “Pritzker stumbles yet again on the Madigan question” (2/15)

WMAY: “Democratic candidate for governor J.B. Pritzker is facing more criticism… for not taking House Speaker Mike Madigan to task for Madigan’s handling of a sexual harassment complaint against an aide.” (2/15)

WSIU:  “But J.B. Pritzker, despite repeated questions, just kept saying … ‘You know I don’t know all the facts’ … ‘Again, I’m not sure what all the facts are’ … ‘We’ve got to find out exactly what the facts are’ … Finally, after being pressed for five minutes, Pritzker said, ‘It shouldn’t take that long.'” (2/15)

WMBD: “In four minutes and 25 seconds of discussing the sexual harassment scandal, Pritzker did not once say “Madigan.'” (2/18)

NBC’s Mary Ann Ahern: “Latest on new Dem operative quietly removed from campaigns after allegations of inappropriate behavior, and #ILGov Dem candidates react, louder criticism for Madigan, with the exception of JB Pritzker.” (2/19)

WTTW: “When pressed by the media, the presumed front-runner for the Democratic nomination, Hyatt heir J.B. Pritzker, did not say Madigan’s name.” (2/19)

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Pritzker Questions Facts In Hampton Case As Madigan Ward Staffer Wages Smear Campaign To Discredit Hampton’s Sexual Harassment Claims

J.B. Pritzker running ad telling women “we believe you” as he obfuscates case against his political patron, Mike Madigan

“J.B. Pritzker’s words are as empty as his ‘uninhabitable’ mansion. Given another opportunity to call out Mike Madigan for mishandling Alaina Hampton’s sexual harassment complaint, Pritzker chose to cast doubt on the ‘facts’ of the case and again peddle tired talking points intended to defend his political ally, Mike Madigan. Despite being asked point-blank to comment on whether Madigan bears responsibility and should remain in his leadership roles, Pritzker dodged.

“If J.B. Pritzker truly believes Mike Madigan did nothing wrong, he should say it.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot

“You know I don’t know all the facts …”

“Again, I’m not sure what all the facts are …”

“We’ve got to find out exactly what the facts are …”

“We need to make sure that all the facts come out …”

“Well I, again, I don’t know all the facts about what happened around the — Alaina.”

“It’s unclear what all the facts are…”

In a Springfield press conference and an interview on WMAY, J.B. Pritzker continued to lay the groundwork to absolve House Speaker Mike Madigan of any responsibility in his mishandling of sexual harassment allegations within his political office by questioning aloud the facts in the Alaina Hampton case.

What, exactly, is unclear, J.B. Pritzker? Text messages published by the Chicago Tribune prove Hampton’s claims against Quinn. Even Mike Madigan doesn’t dispute those facts. That’s why he fired Quinn, albeit after sitting on this information for over three months.

Just last night, NBC5 Chicago Political Reporter Mary Ann Ahern broke news that “an associate of Madigan’s” with “close ties to the supervisor who harassed [Alaina Hampton]” has been attempting to dig up dirt on Hampton in a cowardly attempt to discredit the sexual harassment claims made against one of Madigan’s top political staffers.

All this while Pritzker runs a campaign ad where he says he will tell women “we believe you,” presumably as it relates to sexual harassment claims.

The truth is J.B. Pritzker’s words are hollow. He says “we believe you” up until the point it directly affects the man behind his campaign for governor, House Speaker Mike Madigan.

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IL-03 Township GOP Organizations Issue Resolution Calling on GOP Primary Voters to Undervote Arthur Jones in the Upcoming Primary

On Tuesday, February 13th, 2018, the Palos, Orland, Worth, Lyons and Lemont Township Republican Organizations all passed resolutions condemning Arthur Jones’ racist views and encouraging Republican Primary voters to undervote Arthur Jones in the upcoming primary. Additionally, the resolutions called on voters to get engaged in the civic process to prevent extremists like Jones from hijacking party nominations and corroding our country’s democracy.

Text of the 3rd Congressional District Township Republican Organizations’ Resolution Calling on Republican Primary Voters to Undervote Arthur Jones in the Upcoming March, 20, 2018 Primary:

WHEREAS, Illinois Republicans are unified in revulsion at the racist and anti-Semitic beliefs of Arthur Jones, the sole candidate running for Congress in the Republican Primary for the 3rd Congressional District;

WHEREAS, the beliefs of Nazis like Arthur Jones have no place in our country and are inconsistent with the Republican Party’s platform that states “all Americans stand equal before the law;”

WHEREAS, the Republican Party was founded in the nineteenth century by anti-slavery activists who were committed to the proposition that “all men are created equal”

WHEREAS, the Republican Party subsequently led the fight to assure all human beings have equal standing before the law, promoting the foundational idea that each person be judged as an individual on merit and not their race, religion or other circumstance of birth;

WHEREAS, the struggle to affirm the equal moral status of each individual regardless of skin color or faith, while maintaining and nourishing our union as a single people, continues to animate the Republican Party today, especially in these times of racial tension when the country needs to come together rather than divide.

THEREFORE BE IT:

RESOLVED,  that we Republicans of the Orland Township Republican Organization strongly and unequivocally condemn the racist views and candidacy of Arthur Jones as a Republican candidate in the 3rd Congressional District

RESOLVED, that we urge Republican primary voters in the Third Congressional District to undervote Arthur Jones in the upcoming March 20th, 2018 Primary Election;

RESOLVED, that we Republicans in the Third Congressional District and across Illinois urge civic-minded citizens, regardless of party, to get involved in the political process to prevent non-party extremists like Arthur Jones from hijacking party nominations and corroding our country’s democracy.

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J.B. Pritzker Takes Madigan Support, Then Balks At Criticizing Madigan On Sexual Harassment Case

“Pritzker is in a precarious spot” because his campaign is backed by Democrats and unions allied with Madigan

Yesterday, J.B. Pritzker held a press conference in Springfield and faced a volley of questions about the recent sexual harassment case in Mike Madigan’s political operation. Not once did Pritzker criticize Madigan or his handling of the case. Instead, he chose to dodge and deflect because his campaign is dependent on Mike Madigan’s support.

From the Chicago Sun-Times:

J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday tiptoed around criticizing Mike Madigan over the state Democratic Party chairman’s handling of a sexual harassment complaint.

…Pritzker is in a precarious spot. His Democratic campaign for governor is backed by heavy-hitting state Democrats and unions, many allied with the powerful House speaker. But Pritzker has been careful not to signal public support for Madigan — which many Democratic and Republican opponents would pounce on — given Madigan’s growing unpopularity with some voters.

Madigan, too, is facing a harsh spotlight. The Southwest Side Democrat helped to pass legislation targeting sexual harassment within state government in early November, nearly the same time he received a letter from a woman claiming she was sexually harassed within Madigan’s own 13th Ward operation.

The “Blame Madigan” chorus is popular in this year’s election, and it’s being sung on both sides of the Republican gubernatorial primary, and by Democratic candidates Chris Kennedy, state Sen. Daniel Biss and Madison County Schools Supt. Bob Daiber.

Watch Pritzker absolve Madigan of responsibility HERE.

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J.B. Pritzker Refuses To Criticize Madigan’s Handling Of Sexual Harassment Case

Pritzker believes behind-the-scenes support from Madigan is more important than exposing injustice for a sexual harassment victim

“It’s become apparent that Mike Madigan used his power to cover up sexual harassment in his political organization, and only went public when he knew Alaina Hampton was on the verge of speaking out. Today, J.B. Pritzker was asked repeatedly whether Mike Madigan bears responsibility for these actions, and Pritzker refused to answer the question every single time.

“What’s even more striking is that just yesterday Pritzker released a statement saying we need to focus on Alaina’s story, but when pressed by reporters for a reaction to Mike Madigan’s involvement in Alaina’s story, Pritzker dodged the question. Pritzker said we shouldn’t focus on Madigan’s involvement, but we should rather focus on sexual harassment generally because he knows he can’t speak out against Madigan – the man behind his campaign for governor.

“J.B. Pritzker’s repeated silence on Mike Madigan shines a light on Pritzker’s character and reveals a man who believes behind-the-scenes support from a corrupt politician is more important than speaking out for a woman who faced harassment. Just like his conduct on the Rod Blagojevich calls, Pritzker chooses the insiders over everyone else.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot

Today, J.B. Pritzker held a press conference in Springfield and faced a volley of questions about the recent sexual harassment case in Mike Madigan’s political operation. Not once did Pritzker criticize Madigan or his handling of the case. Instead, he chose to dodge and deflect because his campaign is dependent on Mike Madigan’s support. From the press conference:
Question: “You said that you want to believe [Alaina Hampton’s] claim. One of the claims she made was the Speaker’s announcement to fire Quinn was preemptive right out in front of the story. He’s the Chairman of the Democratic Party [of Illinois], and we are five weeks from a primary that you’re running in. At what point does his involvement in the party become a political liability?”

Pritzker: “We’ve got to find out exactly what the facts are… Each piece of information that leaks out is yet another, you know, piece of information. Focusing this on one thing isn’t good enough. This is a pervasive problem throughout private and public sectors and that means to me making sure all the facts are brought to the fore.”

Question: “If you called on Mike Madigan publicly to clean up what happened here, wouldn’t that put pressure and send a signal to women that they were safe working on his campaigns?”

Pritzker: “Again, I would say focusing on one person when this is a pervasive problem, what I would tell you is we need to make sure that all the facts come out…”

Just yesterday, Pritzker released a statement saying in part that “today should be about Alaina and Alaina’s story,” but when pressed by reporters today to respond to what Mike Madigan’s involvement in Alaina’s story was, Pritzker balked, said we shouldn’t focus on Madigan, but rather we should focus on the issue of sexual harassment generally. Yet again, Pritzker refuses to criticize Mike Madigan because he knows he can’t speak out against the man behind his campaign.

Watch Pritzker absolve Madigan of responsibility HERE.

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GOP Candidate For Comptroller Darlene Senger Responds to Governor Bruce Rauner’s Budget Address

Republican Candidate for Comptroller Darlene Senger issued the following statement after Governor Bruce Rauner delivered his Budget Address:

“Today, the Governor outlined a responsible spending plan that prioritizes education, healthcare and infrastructure and puts Illinois on a trajectory towards reducing the recently enacted income tax hike.  Now more than ever, Republicans and Democrats must put the partisanship aside and work towards real solutions — most importantly a balanced budget that includes a path towards reducing the tax burden on Illinois’ working families.”

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