Prairie State Wire

David E. Smith, Executive Director of the Illinois Family Institute, has weighed in on the conviction of former House Speaker Michael Madigan, calling it a reflection of deeper, systemic issues within Illinois politics.

Madigan, the longest-serving House Speaker in U.S. history, was convicted on 10 counts of conspiracy, bribery, and wire fraud related to schemes involving the state’s largest utility, ComEd. 

Smith, a staunch critic of Madigan’s influence, said the conviction is the result of years of unchecked political power.

“Speaker Michael Madigan, the longest serving State House Speaker in the nation and the architect of the 1970 Illinois Constitution knew he was engaging in quid pro quo,” Smith told Prairie State Wire. “He went to extreme lengths to keep his public profile as low as possible. Yet the wheeling and dealing, his growth in power and ruthlessness was the subject of discussion at the Capitol and among pundits for decades.”

Smith didn't mince words when reflecting on Madigan’s legacy, saying that the conviction was a necessary consequence of years of unchecked power.

“Michael Madigan is just one more government official on a long list of those who have been convicted of corruption in Illinois,” Smith said. “Unfortunately, I do not think this will change the fact that many politicians seek office for power and personal gain instead of out of a pure motive to serve the best interests of the people.” 

Smith noted that Madigan’s ruthlessness was a hallmark of his political career. 

“Madigan will be known as a ruthless ward boss and House Speaker who operated with the mindset of the ‘ends justify the means,’ with the end goal of garnering more and more political power and ill gotten financial gains,” he said.  

He further critiqued the tactics Madigan used to solidify his control over the state.

The conviction came after an extensive trial in which wiretap evidence and recordings painted a picture of Madigan using his vast influence for personal and political benefit. 

Among the most egregious acts, Smith pointed to the gerrymandering Madigan oversaw, which had a lasting impact on the state's political landscape.

“The gerrymandering he was allowed to get away with has had devastating effects on Illinois families,” he said. “This, coupled with the expansion of section 8 housing to the suburbs flipped legislative districts from red to blue. As a result, the people of Illinois have reaped higher taxes, government debt, failing schools, and bushels of moral and political corruption.” 

Smith's statement about the ripple effect of Madigan’s gerrymandering was part of a broader critique of his fiscal policies, which Smith believes contributed to Illinois’ current financial woes. 

The state now faces a pension crisis, a mounting budget deficit and a reputation for corruption that has plagued its residents for decades.

The jury deliberated for over 60 hours, ultimately unable to reach a consensus on 12 other charges, resulting in a partial verdict. 

Despite this, the conviction has already ensured that Madigan will not be able to receive any pension benefits from his time in office.

Illinois has long been a hotbed of political corruption. From 1983 to 2023, the state saw over 2,100 corruption convictions, many involving figures who were under Madigan's influence or aligned with his power.