Madigan controlled all incoming bills on the House floor during his time atop the legislative body. That gave him complete say on what bills would and would not be heard during legislative sessions. | The Center Square
Madigan controlled all incoming bills on the House floor during his time atop the legislative body. That gave him complete say on what bills would and would not be heard during legislative sessions. | The Center Square
Illinois House Republicans noted the conviction of the ComEd Four by a jury earlier this week and the implications for former House Speaker Michael Madigan.
“Madigan confidant Michael McClain, former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, former ComEd lobbyist John Hooker and former ComEd consultant Jay Doherty have been found guilty on all counts in the ComEd Four trial,” the Illinois House Republicans said on Facebook. “Today’s actions in court are an indictment of the culture of corruption which was allowed to thrive under Speaker Madigan and a strong reminder that we must take action today to restore ethical behavior in Illinois.”
Illinois Republican Party Chairman Don Tracy is glad to note that “Finally, we are starting to see Illinois Democrats held accountable for their corrupt actions."
"After decades of Democratic insiders putting their personal interests ahead of Illinois residents, it’s now clear that the Madigan Democrat machine corrupted Illinois State government,” Tracy said in a press release. “Former Speaker Madigan may be gone, but we can’t forget that Illinois Democrats across the state – from Gov. JB Pritzker on down – supported, enabled and kissed the ring of Speaker Madigan.”
The trial centers on McClain, Pramaggiore, former ComEd lobbyist John Hooker, and lobbyist and former City Club of Chicago head Jay Doherty. The four are accused of participating in a $150 million bribery scandal meant to sway favor with the former house speaker.
“The defendants sought to bribe Mike Madigan in order to influence his actions in the General Assembly, to ensure that he didn’t take action to hurt the company in the General Assembly and to reward past beneficial conduct to ComEd in the general assembly with legislation that was worth hundreds of millions of dollars,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker said in opening statements nearly two months ago.
Madigan controlled all incoming bills on the House floor during his time atop the legislative body. That gave him complete say on what bills would and would not be heard during legislative sessions.
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