Prairie State Wire

Dixon Mayor Liandro Arellano, Jr. said it's "past time" for state Rep. Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) to "step down" from his House speaker position.

Arellano's response comes after Madigan said this week he'd halt his campaign to run the Statehouse again. 

His decision came in the form of a short statement where Madigan left the possibility open to restarting his bid for speaker should the House Democratic Caucus not find anyone besides Madigan to receive the 60 votes needed to hold the title. Madigan made it clear the announcement was not a "withdrawal." 

"Illinois should not be held hostage while Madigan plays games in the shadows; he should announce that he is completely taking his name out of consideration," Arellano told the Prairie State Wire. "Unfortunately, new leadership is impossible so long as he is pulling the strings and waiting for a moment to break his party's will."

There are 72 Democrats in the Illinois Statehouse. During a vote that took place behind closed doors last weekend, Madigan received 51. Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) came in second place with 18. 

The Chicago Tribune reported Madigan's support started dwindling when he was incriminated in an alleged bribery scheme involving the electric services company Commonwealth Edison. The company paid a hefty $200 million fine. It conceded to having a role in the alleged plot aimed at flattering Madigan by offering his allies employment and contracts for laws that were in their favor. 

Arellano said there needs to be new leadership and one committed to reforming the government. He believes that can't be accomplished with Madigan still at the helm. 

"We need active legislators who represent their constituents instead of party bosses," Arellano said. "It is critical for people to understand such reforms are impossible so long as Madigan holds onto power."