Mike Madigan | Illinois Speaker of the House website
Mike Madigan | Illinois Speaker of the House website
State Rep. Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) is looking for more after the indictment of former Illinois House speaker Michael Madigan.
He filed HB 5718, which would mandate the state to “remove the name and likeness of the disgraced Michael J. Madigan from the Capitol building and other state properties.”
“Today, I filed legislation to remove the name Michael J. Madigan on all State Property. #EndCorruption," Chesney said on Facebook.
Known as "official A," in multiple investigation papers and documents, Madigan and former Commonwealth Edison lobbyist and Quincy-native Michael McClain have been alleged of running a racketeering ring involved in a $150 million bribery scandal.
“If Democrats are serious about ridding the state of corruption then they will support efforts to remove the honors typically reserved for those who we revere, not those who perpetuated the corruption,” Chesney said in a release March 3. “Ending this era marked by corrupt politicians starts with removing the tenure of Mike Madigan.”
The Department of Justice indicated in a statement that the former House speaker was indicted on "racketeering and bribery charges for allegedly using his official position to corruptly solicit and receive personal financial rewards for himself and his associates."
"Corruption by an elected official and his associates undermines the public’s confidence in our government," United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois John R. Lausch, Jr., who filed the indictment, said. “The indictment alleges a long-term, multifaceted scheme to use public positions for unlawful private gain. Rooting out and prosecuting the kind of corruption alleged in the indictment will always be a top priority for this office.”
For nearly 40 years, Madigan, 79, was seated as the House speaker. He eventually ended his power last year on Feb. 18, months after his and McClain’s operation was disclosed to have funneled $150 million in bribes through ComEd. ComEd itself was investigated under the federal racketeering RICO law until it signed a plea worth $200 million.
The former House Speaker continued as a senior partner with Madigan and Getzendanner, a law firm that focuses on property tax adjustments. For a long time, Madigan was also criticized for his role in that firm for its close ties to other well-known Democrats, including former Cook County Assessor and Cook County Democratic Party Chair Joe Berrios.
Alerts Sign-up