UPDATE: Fighting for Political Life, Madigan Won't Outline Plans with Members
Sources indicate House Speaker Michael Madigan refused to discuss how long he planned to stay in office during a caucus meeting yesterday. Madigan was apparently pressed on a succession plan, but refused to give any details. He is facing three challengers for the Speaker’s gavel when the new legislative session opens Wednesday.
Nobody lives forever. But, 78-year-old House Speaker Michael Madigan, facing three challengers from inside his caucus, declined to tell his members Friday how long he planned to remain in office.
Sources tell The Illinoize that during a private caucus meeting Friday, Madigan was pressed by Rep. Sue Scherer (D-Decatur) about how long he planned to stay in office if he were to retain power. Madigan reportedly told members he was prepared to discuss the question, and when pushed further, would only say the issue is open to discussion.
One member told us they construed it as Madigan refusing to pledge to make the upcoming term his last, but two other members tell us the discussion did not have that connotation.
Madigan was apparently the only candidate unwilling to have caucus votes on a secret ballot.
One Democrat asked rhetorically “What is he afraid of?”
Though, Madigan could benefit from a roll call of his members, forcing them to tell fellow Democrats who they are willing to support.
19 incoming House Democrats have said publicly they won’t vote for Madigan for Speaker. While a few have pledged their support to the Speaker, dozens more haven’t commented publicly. Madigan may want them on the record as a show of strength or to find out who he needs to convince to come back to his side.
A Madigan spokesman did not comment, citing the privacy of caucus discussions.
Madigan is being challenged by three Democrats, Rep. Kathleen Willis (D-Addison), Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago), and Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego.)
If Democrats can’t coalesce around a candidate before Wednesday’s inauguration, it could led to a long, drawn out battle for the Speaker’s gavel.
UPDATE (8:07 P.M):
House Democrats met for an hours-long caucus meeting in Springfield Saturday afternoon to hear from all four announced candidates for Speaker. We’re told by some members of the caucus the race appears to be starting to break down to the "Madigan vs. other” camp instead of a specific candidate. Though, one Madigan supporter indicates Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) appears to be the strongest candidate in the “other” camp. Another Democrat expects all four announced candidates, including Rep. Kathleen Willis (D-Addison) and Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) will all get votes on the first ballot.
At this point, one lawmaker tells us the outcome is “impossible to predict.”
