Manley Joins McCombie As Speakers at “Women to Watch” Event

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - In a bipartisan effort to showcase relationships and mutual respect, Representative Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, accepted an invitation from House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, to speak at the 3rd Annual Women to Watch Leadership Conference, which McCombie hosts.

Manley and McCombie were simultaneous keynote speakers to a group of over 100 women. Their camaraderie delighted the guests. 

“Disagreements do not have to be at the expense of the relationship,” Manley said. “I have a lot of respect for Leader McCombie, and we’ve chosen to make our relationship work in and around politics without abandoning our varying points of view.”

Both women spoke about why women have a unique role in government, and why it is important that women hold political offices. They discussed their experience, and very different paths to service in the Illinois House of Representatives. 

“It was evident to the guests how well Leader McCombie and I get along,” Manley said. “She is a strong, thoughtful leader, and we agree on many issues, including the importance of women in government, honesty, and our responsibilities to our constituents.”

McCombie is the first woman to lead the Republican Caucus in the House.

“We both strive to ensure our districts are well represented, and do it in a dignified manner,” Manley said. “It is ok to have strong convictions and still maintain a relationship.”

The event was held at the Capitol Complex Visitors Center, in Springfield April 22.