* Editorial Herald & Review…
The state legislative session at the Bank of Springfield Center opened on Friday with unacceptable restrictions on members of the media. […]
The restrictions have nothing to do with security. In theory, they are related to the pandemic. But just as other professionals were forced to adapt their work efforts to protect the safety of themselves and others, reporters discovered social distance, wearing masks during interviews and regularly cleaning used equipment.
Limited access also made it difficult to cover sessions in May 2020, with no benefit to anyone. In addition, the May sessions allowed open-air interviews. These interviews will be less available in the cold of January.
The main floor of the Bank Of Springfield Center is 40,000 square feet, more than enough space for lawmakers and accredited media. Socially secure seats are already essentially used in the Casa. The letter from members of the media also details the ways in which communication and reporters can be allowed to do their job without danger or interruption.
When questioned, the governor’s office could only provide IDPH guidance issued to legislative committee hearings last year. The Chamber has not yet revealed the source of the session’s guidance. Another photo of the cavernous space …
It looks like there should be enough space… https://t.co/Bdn7VtpDak pic.twitter.com/1YKYXuRHJq
– Hannah Meisel (@hannahmeisel) January 8, 2021
Furthermore, the security argument is totally ridiculous and absolutely insulting to accredited members of the news media. To make matters worse, reporters who need to use the bathroom must be escorted to and from the mezzanine by Illinois State Police soldiers.
Wouldn’t leaving them on the floor allow for less supervision?
* Also, see photos like this of the representatives of the eastern bloc. Chris Miller and Brad Halbrook on the convention center floor makes me wonder why the Mayor is so concerned about us …
Reporters are not the problem here. (You can caption this photo in the comments if you want.)
… Adding… Rep. Miller (unrelated) has just been summoned to the ground for not wearing his mask.
* Followed to Mark Brown’s last column …
It has been two months since it became apparent that Illinois Mayor Mike Madigan would face the biggest challenge ever presented to his leadership, but no obvious candidate to replace him has emerged.
If Madigan really should be replaced, that should begin to change as members of the House return to Springfield this weekend to end business for the outgoing legislature and organize for the new one.
Democrats were due to meet in private on Saturday for their first face-to-face (mask-covered) discussion of who should lead them.
It is difficult to imagine them advancing rapidly.
Until Madigan is ready to step aside – there is not even a hint of it at this stage – most of the main potential alternatives are being left out.
That last line is right. Nothing can really happen unless and until Speaker Madigan decides to walk away.
* I informed subscribers today about yesterday’s caucus, but Mark Maxwell has a few more …
Without being overwhelmed by his opposition, Madigan methodically maneuvered throughout the process and persistently persuaded his colleagues to support him. At a candidate forum on Friday night organized by moderate and upstate Democrats, Madigan offered to relax his grip on political power if members let him remain in his role.
According to members who heard Madigan’s proposal on Friday night, he also offered more information and control when interviewing and hiring his own employees and promised a more collaborative leadership style.
Your opponents, Reps. Kifowit, Ann Williams (D-Chicago) and Kathleen Willis (D-Addison), offered a variety of changes to House rules and the way members could forward their projects through committees and set out their strategies for raising campaign funds in ways that benefit more members.
Willis, the president of the House Democratic Caucus, highlighted her experience on Madigan’s leadership team, although the mayor has noted that it pales in comparison to his.
He has promised many things.
*** UPDATE *** I told subscribers about this earlier today …
Madigan is opposed to the secret ballot in the election of the mayor of Illinois in the Democratic caucus of the House. A member asked about it during a closed caucus meeting yesterday, and Madigan said he believed it should be an open vote, according to a source who heard the exchange.
– Dave McKinney (@davemckinney) January 9, 2021