NW Illinois News

State Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) said House Democrats shut down a previous inquiry into Madigan before his indictment.

Demmer noted that Speaker Chris Welch was then-chairman of the Special Investigative Committee that would evaluate if Mike Madigan engaged in conduct unbecoming of a legislator.

“In 2020, I was the lead Republican on a Special Investigative Committee charged with looking into Mike Madigan’s misconduct," Demmer said on Facebook. "We pushed for answers, but House Democrats voted to shut down the investigation and clear Madigan of any charges. “Madigan has now been indicted by federal prosecutors for criminal misconduct, and it’s clear that the House Democrats were simply trying to shield their leader from being held accountable.” 

Welch’s office has recently released and then retracted after Madigan’s indictment the following talking points.

"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," his office said, according to a CapitalFax report. "From the start, he has faced unfair, partisan accusations; charges which appear to have influenced the indictments laid out today." 

That same report added that, "for years, our opponents across the aisle have focused their ire and prejudicial scrutiny on Speaker Madigan, to little effect. However, their constant accusations have finally had an impact; the federal government has buckled under their pressure." 

The memo, which Welch said was erroneous, also advise Democrats to affirm their support to him and to "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 talking points 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." 

In January 2021, Welch filled the seat Madigan left. He is a hand-picked successor of Madigan and was accused of protecting the former House Speaker in 2020 after closing the probe into the ComEd bribery scandal. 

"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 racketeering and bribery charges. He was alleged to have run a racketeering ring involved in a $150 million bribery scandal.

The accusations were strongly denied by Madigan 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 said.