Madigan’s position as speaker depends, of course, on the Democratic majority in the house, which he has tirelessly sought to expand, especially by inserting himself into the redistricting process. The result: a majority that has now become a supermajority, with Democrats controlling 71 of 118 seats. Unsurprisingly, Madigan has fiercely opposed efforts to shift control of redistricting to an independent commission.
Perhaps the primary way Madigan exercises control over “his” majority is through campaign funds. One source of that money comes directly from his campaign coffers. Running largely unopposed year after year—or against fake candidates placed on the ballot by his supporters—has made it possible for Madigan to raise, by one estimate, more than $35 million since 1994. In addition, as chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party, he has access to party accounts and can funnel money to favored candidates. The state party was, for a while, run out of Madigan’s office in Springfield and now makes its headquarters in a small office building near the capitol, where Madigan’s campaign finance team works. Campaign cash can buy a lot of loyalty among legislators.
Another tool in Madigan’s kit is pork-barrel spending, which he often directs to party members in tough reelection contests. For instance, in 1999, the state government created the Illinois Fund for Infrastructure, Roads, Schools, and Transit (IllinoisFIRST). This five-year, $12 billion pot of money was dedicated to public works. Political scientists Michael Herron and Brett Theodos found that the funds were distributed by Madigan tactically to assist Democratic legislators facing tough reelection bids, rather than to districts that most needed the money. For Madigan, policymaking is about maintaining power, not trying to serve the public interest.
Illinois currently holds the dubious distinction of being the most fiscally derelict state in America. In 2015, Moody’s downgraded Illinois’ general-obligation bonds from A3 to Baa1, the lowest ranking among the 50 states. The state’s pension systems are only 40 percent funded, the worst ratio in the country. Forbes rated Illinois’ business climate 38th among states last year. Chicago, the state’s economic engine, has been cratering under the weight of huge pension costs, and had to enact a $500 million property-tax increase last year. In addition, Chicago’s schools are in crisis, and—most disturbing of all—the city has watched its crime rate explode. The migration rate out of Illinois over the last five years has been the highest of any state.
Madigan’s machine extends to the judicial branch. His otherwise obscure post as ward committeeman puts him in a position to help pick lawyers slated to be judges on the circuit court of Cook County. Lawyers who want to become judges must work for, and make contributions to, the Democratic Party to get their names on the “Madigan List.” From 2003 to 2011, according to the Chicago Tribune, Madigan recommended 37 attorneys for the bench; 25 wound up selected. Several more were later nominated.
Cook County judges have, in turn, helped stymie changes that Madigan opposes. In July, one judge declared illegal a constitutional amendment to change the state’s redistricting process, which had been set to appear on the ballot this fall. This was the second time that judges had thrown out such a referendum. A longtime Madigan ally, Michael Kaspar, general counsel for the Illinois Democratic Party, brought the lawsuit to prevent the measure from appearing on the ballot.
Anything the NC legislature is trying to do is penny ante compared to how things are done in Illinois.
Madiganistan | City Journal
:lamo according to you whatever they do no matter what they could be condemned, stop being a partisan hackAny American who does not condemn what the Republicans are doing in North Carolina is not a true American.
:lamo according to you whatever they do no matter what they could be condemned, stop being a partisan hack
Any American who does not condemn what the Republicans are doing in North Carolina is not a true American.
Any American who does not condemn what the Republicans are doing in North Carolina is not a true American.
Anything the NC legislature is trying to do is penny ante compared to how things are done in Illinois.
Madiganistan | City Journal
And anyone that refuses to condemn the corruption of the democrats is NOT a true American . Hillary , Hillary , that's your best ? :lol:
Fortunately, you do not get to decide who is and is not a true American
And that is the nations deep loss.
Then start your own nation and kick out anyone who you think to be unhaymarketarian. Americans are allowed to disagree with one another and still be Americans. In your own despotic nation you can alter those rules if you like.
I have no idea what you are ranting about.
ranting while laughing, ..no
jumping while sleeping - gloss gel.
:2dance:
Anything the NC legislature is trying to do is penny ante compared to how things are done in Illinois.
Madiganistan | City Journal
Ah!!! Thats cute!!! They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery - so thank you. :2wave:eace
Time to find a safe zone and an 8 year supply of Kleenex . :lol:
I have no idea what you are ranting about.
I have no idea what you are ranting about.
Are you dealing with heavy emotional issues?
It appears you are total distraught over losing the election . I'm simply tying to help you . :lol:
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