Following the money is a pretty good indicator of those supporting the re-election of Mike Madigan for House Speaker.
First it was members of the Black Caucus.
More recently, it was those who are Latinos.
Members of both ethnic groups come from districts where raising campaign money is difficult.
Money will never leave politics, but that doesn’t mean we have to give up.
I know it’s both parties: both will take money from vile sources (til they are caught and self-righteously return it).
Both will take money from corporate interests they publicly oppose.
Try getting an appointment with an elected official as private citizen.
The.
Try as a rich private citizen.
The power given big money by Citizens United needs to be taken back.
Representatives elected every two years, state and federal, never stop fundraising.
Every single damn day they are fundraising in some way.
Campaign finance reform is possible without running afoul of the 1st Amendment.
Until we do it, we’re going to continue to be whipsawed by parties and commercial media that are money driven.
Cal is not wrong but it sounds like he is implying the Black Caucus needs Madigan’s donations.
I’m not sure that’s true.
Don’t most Black Caucus members come from safe Democratic districts?
And if you’re already an incumbent, you have an advantage in the primary.
Point being: WHAT do they need Madigan contributions for if their seats are safe?
I would think Madigan needs the Black Caucus more than they need him — even if their actions aren’t reflecting that reality.
They would not necessarily be safe from a primary challenge.