In an unexpected show of force and backbone, Black members of the Democratic State Central Committee have fired off a letter to Illinois State House Speaker Michael Madigan, challenging him on his proposal to eliminate the office of lieutenant governor.
In an unexpected show of force and backbone, Black members of the Democratic State Central Committee have fired off a letter to Illinois State House Speaker Michael Madigan, challenging him on his proposal to eliminate the office of lieutenant governor. The letter was not only welcome, but also timely, as the committee is scheduled to meet next month to choose a Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor, to fill out the ticket with gubernatorial nominee Gov. Pat Quinn. Madigan’s proposal to abolish the position of lieutenant governor by 2015 would require not only passage by a super-majority in both houses of the state Legislature, but it would also require a vote from the electorate, since it requires amending the state Constitution. The Black committee members were correct to call Madigan’s trial balloon premature, especially since it could affect how the lieutenant governor’s office is perceived by the voters, during a primary election that is sure to be close. Voters could well perceive that it would make no sense to vote for a position that was about to be abolished. They could listen to Madigan describe the position as unnecessary, since it hasn’t been filled for the past year. They might even take the position that since Madigan is proposing that the state attorney general become next in the line of succession should the governor be unable to finish the term – and since his daughter is currently attorney general – that Madigan is only greasing the way for his daughter to become governor. None of those perceptions would spur voters to go to the polls, a scenario that would endanger not only Pat Quinn’s chances, but also the Democrat Party’s chances (with several Black Democratic nominees) in November. While this newspaper is on record endorsing State Sen. Art Turner to fill the vacancy on the ticket, we also believe the position of lieutenant governor should be retained. While the position has been substantially weakened over the years, it can be a strong advocate for issues that face Illinoisans – from jobs to education to clean air to safe streets. The lieutenant governor can be the point man for a number of initiatives. The committee members were also correct to remind Madigan that he wears two hats – as Speaker of the House and as chair of the Democratic Central Committee – and sometimes they work at opposite interests. If the Speaker is unsure where one begins and one ends, perhaps he ought to step down from one, or the other, so he can be clear. We applaud the Black committee members for quickly and forcefully speaking out and presenting a united front. There will indeed be a time for taking a look at the executive branch and several of the statewide offices. We may have to take other constitutional amendments to the voters. But a month before the committee is to meet on filling the lieutenant governor nominee position is not the time for that look. Madigan should know that, and thankfully, the Black members of the Democratic Central Committee reminded him.
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