Prairie State Wire

Gubernatorial candidate and Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Louisville) had strong words to share following last week's indictment of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.

"Today's indictment of the former Speaker and leader of the @IllinoisDems is no surprise. As Governor, I'll root out corruption and ensure those who engage in illegal activity are prosecuted and pay a steep price for violating public trust. It's time to reform Springfield. #twill," Bailey posted on Twitter

Madigan was indicted on 22 counts of federal racketeering and bribery. Racketeering charges are more commonly associated with organized crime. The indictment alleges that Madigan was the leader of a criminal enterprise meant to give him more political power and financial stability while making money for his political allies. According to the Justice Department's press release, Madigan served in a variety of positions, including speaker, representative of Illinois's 22nd District, committeeman for Chicago's 13th Ward, chairman of both the Illinois Democratic Party and the 13th Ward Democratic Organization, and partner at the Chicago law firm of Madigan & Getzendanner, and used those positions to further the criminal enterprise. The indictment also alleges that Madigan directed the activities of his close friend and co-defendant Michael F. McClain.

Madigan resigned as House Speaker in February 2021 after 50 years in the House of Representatives. At the time that Madigan left the legislature, there was an ongoing probe of bribery connected to Commonwealth Edison. He had not been charged at that point.

WTTW reports that Gov. J.B. Pritzker called Madigan's indictment a wakeup call for politicians in the state. Pritzker denied ever having conversations with Madigan about appointing Daniel Solis to a state position. "I was asked to be a witness and (federal investigators) wanted to talk about any interactions and I was happy to cooperate and answer any and all of their questions," Pritzker said at an unrelated press event Thursday morning. "I've answered all of them, in fact."