Recognizing Mike Flannery for His Contributions to Journalism

Floor Speech

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Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize Mike Flannery's distinguished career as a political reporter in Illinois and to congratulate him on his well-earned upcoming retirement from Fox 32- Chicago. For decades, Illinois residents have relied on Mr. Flannery's sharp analysis to make sense of top political stories. Through his weekly television program, ``Flannery Fired Up,'' Illinois residents have come to trust Mr. Flannery as a voice of insight, fairness, and integrity.

Mr. Flannery grew up in Washington D.C. in a family that understood the importance of public service and its demands. His father, a World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient, imparted on Mr. Flannery a sense of patriotism and a desire to find a career that benefitted others. Despite financial hardships, Mr. Flannery won a scholarship to attend Georgetown University, where he discovered a passion for journalism and became editor of the university's newspaper. Through his coursework, he became fascinated by the unique political culture of Chicago and Mayor Richard J. Daley's administration.

After graduation, Mr, Flannery moved to Chicago and began his career in journalism covering politics and labor for the Chicago Sun Times, He built a reputation for integrity at a time when political corruption was a powerful force in Chicago politics. When Mr. Flannery transitioned to TV and joined WBBM-Channel 2 as Political Editor in 1980, he brought his unique sensibility into viewer's living rooms.

Over the course of Mr. Flannery's 50-year career, he has covered the administrations of ten Chicago mayors and eight Illinois governors with extraordinary insight and accuracy. Mr. Flannery's TV program has become a central stage for political discussion in Chicago, drawing countless elected officials and experts. His sharp questioning held powerful officials to account and provided context for the week's news for his loyal viewers, Behind the scenes, Mr. Flannery has been just as tireless in his pursuit of the facts, engaging regularly with community leaders and experts, even chasing politicians--sometimes literally--as he did when he jogged after former Illinois Governor Rob Blagojevich in 2010. Both on and off the air, Mr. Flannery has a record of relentlessly pursuing the truth on behalf of greater Chicago.

Mr. Speaker, I extend immense gratitude to Mike Flannery for his invaluable contributions to political reporting, and I wish him well in his retirement. His dedication to the public service of informing Illinosans on the issues facing our state is commendable and he leaves behind a legacy of excellence in journalism.

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