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)

###