Madigan And Durkin Rarely Speak

BURR RIDGE, IL — Republicans and Democrats may spar in public, but engage on friendlier terms behind the scenes. In the 1980s, President Ronald Reagan would have an after-hours drink with Democratic House Speaker Tip O'Neill. Two decades earlier, it was much the same for President Lyndon Johnson and Senate Minority Leader Everett Dirksen, an Illinois Republican, a relationship that spurred the passage of civil rights laws.

But don't expect to see that type of bipartisan camaraderie in the Illinois House of Representatives — at least according to House Republican Leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs.

Asked how often he speaks with House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, Durkin answered, "Not often."

He said his communication with Madigan was less than what he understands is the norm for their counterparts in other states.

"He calls me and sees me when he needs something. We don't check in on a daily basis. It can be three or four months before we see or talk to each other," Durkin said in an interview last week with Patch.

In other states, there is a "gentleman-like" approach between the two major parties.

"Here, it is strictly driven by majority party rules, with little or any type of consideration from the minority party," he said.

Madigan has served as the speaker for all but two years since 1983. He is the nation's longest-serving speaker and is seen as uniquely powerful over state government.

Durkin's 82nd district includes La Grange, Western Springs, Burr Ridge and Darien.