Prairie State Wire

Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch is under fire after his office fed a now-discredited memo to fellow Democrats aimed at criticizing the indictment of former House Speaker Michael Madigan. 

The Illinois Opportunity Project shared "talking points from the now ‘disavowed’ House Memo regarding Madigan's indictment” on Facebook. 

"Here is one of the talking points from the now 'disavowed' House Memo regarding Madigan's indictment," the organization shared on social media. "While I always stand with law enforcement, I, unfortunately, feel I must call into question certain aspects of the investigation process regarding Speaker Madigan’s case. From the start, he has faced unfair, partisan accusations; charges which appear to have influenced the indictments.”

The draft of the memo has also urged the party to affirm support to Madigan's successor and to "focus on the focus on the needs of the people of Illinois and continue the legislative process to best address their needs" regardless of the proceeding results.

"Despite my misgivings regarding this case, I want to reiterate that Speaker Welch has my full support," the memo stated. "Our legislative accomplishments since he has taken the lead, including a major Medicaid Reform and the landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, are undoubtedly victories to be proud of." 

Welch was Madigan’s successor. He was accused of protecting Madigan in 2020 after closing a probe into the ComEd bribery scandal. Welch was the chairman of the committee investigating Madigan’s behavior.

"You’re going through excruciating lengths to protect Michael J. Madigan from ever having to testify to his nefarious behavior," Rep. Grant Wehrli (R-Naperville) said at the time. 

Madigan was indicted for running a racketeering ring involved in a $150 million bribery scandal.

Madigan denied the allegations saying he was "never involved in any criminal activity" in his 50 years in office. Madigan, who spent 36 years as House Speaker, the longest in the country’s history, is accused of using the office for personal gain.  "I adamantly deny these accusations and look back proudly on my time as an elected official, serving the people of Illinois," Madigan added.