By Dave Dahl
SPRINGFIELD – The supermajority Democrats in the Illinois House condemned Rep, Chris Miller (R-Oakland) for what you might call “fighting words” leading up to the Capitol insurrection of Jan. 6.
The resolution’s sponsor, Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield), quoted Miller’s Facebook Live broadcast from Washington shortly before the attack upon the Capitol – that a culture war is going on; “whether we will remain a free people under free-market capitalism or whether ‘they’ will put us under the tyranny of socialism and communism under the dangerous Democrat terrorists that are trying to destroy our country.”
Miller, helping move his Congresswoman wife, U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, into town, said he had nothing to do with the riot.
“I had no part in the violent events at the Capitol that day, and I condemn any and all violence,” he said. Miller did not mention the decal on his truck for the Three Percenters, described as an anti-government militia. He is reported as saying someone gave him the decal, which that person said was patriotic and which Miller thought was “cool,” adding he was unaware of any connection to hatred or anti-government ideas.
Afterward, State Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst) said representatives enjoy “privilege” on the House floor; protection from repercussions for the words they use. She said the same statements anywhere outside the Capitol, including Miller’s east central Illinois farm, may bear more consequences. State Rep. Will Davis (D-Homewood) took umbrage, telling reporters after adjournment that Mazzochi basically threatened her colleagues. Davis said the situation is charged, because just this week State Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) said a driver waving a gun followed him through Springfield streets. Many of the lawmakers display “Official House” license plates.
HR 132 has passed the House, 57-36-5.
Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].
