(Chicago, IL) — October 21, 2010. In politics, former President Harry Truman once said that if you want a friend, get a dog. House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago), a student of history, is probably pondering Truman’s advice more and more these days.
Last night, during a debate with his GOP rival Adam Brown, another political friend of Madigan’s, State Rep. Bob Flider (D-Decatur), declined to pledge his vote to Madigan for House Speaker when the House reconvenes in January 2011.
When asked for whom he would vote for speaker of the House, Flider answered: “It’s hard to say who you’re going to vote for for speaker of the House when you don’t know who’s running.”
Uh, huh.
The reaction by the crowd to that incredulous answer and gesture of independence from Madigan?
“Many jeered,” according to Decatur Herald & Review reporter Kenneth Lowe.
Flider joins another group of Madigan’s political “friends” who have either refused to offer their support to Madigan or have demurred. They include State Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights), and candidates Michelle Mussman (D-Schaumburg) and Dennis Ahern (D-Moline). Ahern has actually declared he will not vote for Madigan, but instead for a freshman lawmaker. Ahern is currently trailing GOP opponent Rich Morthland 40%-46%, according to a new poll taken by the Illinois Manufacturers Association on October 14.
Any dog will do.
Gov. Pat Quinn
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