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It seems to me that I have been attending fundraisers, off and on, for House Speaker Michael Madigan for twenty-five years. Well, Madigan has been holding them since 1983, when he was first elected to the post. Rumor has it that he is tired of this aspect of his business and particularly of those darn photographers, and I think we can all sympathize with that. But his fundraiser on Sept. 29 at Chicago’s Sheraton Hotel perhaps was his largest, or maybe it just seemed that way to the folks waiting in line to get in. 

 

You see Michael Madigan, chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois, and his wife, Shirley, greet everyone before they enter the room, filled with some of the best food, wine and spirits available at any political fundraiser. That slows down the line, but gives folks the chance to press the flesh of the high and mighty. 

 

This year, Assistant to the President Randy Barnette (Democratic chairman of Chicago’s 39^th Ward) and Legislative Chair Bill Naegele led the Cook County College Teachers Union contingent, AFT Local 1600, to the Madigan fundraiser. They were accompanied by Malcolm X Chapter Chair William Stewart.  Dawson Chapter Chair Rausan Tamir and Assistant to the President Chuck Mustari also came later.

 

Those who came earlier than the Barnette-Naegele coalition, such as Legislative Director Linda Murphy (WR) and Social Chair Hermine Krysa, had an opportunity for a good photo-shoot with the Madigans. Later, Murphy chatted with State Senator Lou Viverito (D-11), a man whom we had endorsed. Bill O’Connell, ace Voice photographer from Triton, stayed in the lobby and shot folks with the Madigans for most of the party, joining us lucky folks in the ballroom later. OH Chapter Chair Rochelle Robinson-Dukes and her husband, Mark; TR Chapter Chair Tony Johnston; and KK Chapter Chair Arlicia Corley were fairly early as well. 

 

Morton Faculty Chapter Chair Dante Orfei and Harper Pro-Tech Chapter Chair Margie McGowan struck up a conversation with State Rep. Kevin Joyce (D-35), and gave him a chuckle. Secretary Pat Wenthold talked with IFT Legislative Director Nick Yelverton. Later, IFT Director of Political Activities Steve Preckwinkle, Legislative Director Dave Piccioli and Media Director Dave Comerford held a mini-conference at the heart of the ballroom.

 

The Retirees Frank Pokin and Wendall Wilson, who joined up with Treasurer Don Radtke and his wife, Joan, were familiar faces who were well received. Everyone knew Legislative Chair Bill Naegele who chatted with newcomer State Rep. Will Burns (D- 26) and established maker and shaker State Rep. David Miller (D-29). After 12 years as a lobbyist and board member in Springfield, Randy Barnette was in constant communication with old friends and allies. Hermine Krysa slipped away to get a photo with Governor Pat Quinn, who had a circle of admirers around him.

 

Finally, the evening came for a close. Everyone enjoyed the good food and drinks. Some liked what they heard; others planned for a better tomorrow.