By Sarah Mansur & Grace Barbic & Capitol News Illinois
• Jan 27, 2021
Members of the Illinois House Democratic Women s Caucus speak with Rep. Emanuel Chris Welch on the floor of the Bank of Springfield Center on Jan. 12, the day before he was inaugurated as Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives.
Credit Justin Fowler, Springfield State Journal-Register
Democrats in the Illinois House of Representatives made history on Jan. 13 when they elected the first Black lawmaker to serve as House Speaker and ended the reign of Rep. Michael Madigan, the longest-serving statehouse speaker in the country.
But the decision to elect Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, from Hillside, meant that members of the House Democratic caucus were ultimately unable to unite behind any of the three female lawmakers who came out as early contenders for the job.
Democrats in the Illinois House of Representatives made history on Jan. 13 when they elected the first Black lawmaker to serve as House Speaker and ended the reign of Rep.
Willis was a huge reason why Welch happened and now she’s complaining?
- JG from PG - Friday, Jan 22, 21 @ 9:51 am:
the suburbs could have bargained for representation. they folded and gave Welch the power. sit down and accept this.
== “Every single one of them started out as a Madigan loyalist” ==
I spit out my coffee when I read that quote from Willis. Physician, heal thyself.
If others are ignoring that not ONE of the Four Tops is from Chicago, but still want the discussion to be about Chicago vs. the Suburbs vs. “Downstate”…
To ignore how things have changed (McConchie from Brady, Harmon from Cullerton) the discussion isn’t about the actual charges, it’s a want to a discussion of keeping traditional divisions active like this premise too.
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Good Thursday morning, Illinois. This was not just a transfer of power, it was a profound change of attitude, David Axelrod said on CNN last night after President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took their oaths of office, Bruce Springsteen crooned and a young poet slayed the day.
Larry Walsh Jr. - I never thought of Will County as “downstate”, LOL.
Interesting to not see Ann Williams on the list.
- Scott Cross for President - Thursday, Jan 21, 21 @ 10:12 am:
Lots of smart, young talent here. Looks to be a good team for a tough session.
I really hope Kathleen Willis isn’t being punished for her role in Madigan’s ouster here…
Hoffman - bleh Otherwise all good
Well, there were clearly those he chose, and those that were selected by the caucuses, or those positioned bargained for.
In the leadership team, it is clear that Gordon-Booth, Flowers, Gabel and Ammons were folks he chose and trusts. And unclear how long Harris is there beyond this Spring.