Reprinted with permission of The Illinoize newsletter:

Ness Tries to Rewrite History

by Patrick Pfingsten, March 4, 2022

A lot has been said this week about “the 19,” the group of House Democrats that demanded Michael Madigan go away and not be re-elected Speaker last year.

But a press release Thursday showed one House Democrat who is trying to jump on the train a little late.

Rep. Suzanne Ness (D-Crystal Lake) beat incumbent Allen Skillicorn in 2020 without his mounting much of a campaign and chewing on too many sour grapes to drop out. Ness was buoyed by a lot of Madigan-controlled money and never publicly came out against Madigan until he had ‘suspended’ his bid for Speaker.

House Republicans were attacking Ness on the Madigan issue this week.

“Not even a 22-count federal indictment gives State Representative Ness the courage to speak out against Michael Madigan,” stated Jayme Siemer, Executive Director of the House Republican Majority.

“It’s clear Madigan’s $1.2 million in political contributions to Ness continues to buy her loyalty while the public’s trust in state government continues to erode.”

So Ness tried to correct the record …sort of.

In a news release, she tried to become a late-to-the-party member of “the 19.”

Ness claims she couldn’t be part of the group against Madigan, though members-elect participated in the caucuses to nominate the new Speaker in the days leading up to the end of the 101st General Assembly.

House Republicans like their candidate against Ness, Arin Thrower, and you have to assume she’s going to be one of the most vulnerable Democrats this fall.

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The article can be viewed at The Illinoize by clicking here.

Announced Republican candidates competing for the honor to challenge Ness this fall going into tomorrow’s petition filing are:

• Dundee Township Supervisor Arin Thrower (R, West Dundee)
• Connie Cain (R, Gilberts)