Former President Barack Obama shakes hands with Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan (R) at the state Capitol on Feb. 10, 2016
Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan (R) announced Thursday (Feb. 18) that he will resign his seat while prosecutors investigate his alleged involvement in a corruption and bribery case.
Madigan, a Democrat, said in a statement Thursday, “As Speaker of the House and state representative for the 22nd District, it has been a great honor to serve the people of Illinois.” He also said he was “at peace” with his decision to resign.
Madigan, a protégé of former Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley, was elected to the Illinois state House of Representatives in 1971 and to the state House of Representatives in 1983, a position he held for all but two years, making him currently the longest-serving speaker of the state legislature in U.S. history.
However, from two to three years ago, rumors began to spread about Madigan’s bribery scandal. Although he cleared his name, evidence against him continued to emerge after the prosecution searched for evidence, causing Madigan, who originally wanted to be re-elected, to announce that he was giving up his re-election because he could not get the support of lawmakers from the same party.
The 78-year-old Democratic lawmaker lost his chance to continue as House speaker last month when Democrats in the state House of Representatives turned to support Republican Rep. Emanuel Chris Welch (D).
Madigan did not specify the reason for his departure in a statement Thursday, but he acknowledged he is facing a federal investigation.
Madigan said, “It’s no secret that I have been the target of vicious attacks by people who have sought to diminish my many accomplishments in elevating the working people of Illinois.”
“The truth is, my motivation for holding elected office has never wavered. I have been unwavering in my commitment to public service and integrity, always with the interests of the people of Illinois at heart.”
Madigan said, “Fifty years ago, I decided to dedicate my Life to public service. Simply put, I knew I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. I believed then, and still believe today, that as public servants, we have a responsibility to improve the lives of the most vulnerable and to help hardworking people make a better life.”
Madigan was involved in a bribery case last July in which the state’s largest electricity provider, Commonwealth Edison, admitted in court to participating in a years-long bribery scheme aimed at buttering up Madigan.
Madigan himself has not been prosecuted for the scheme. He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
And a number of former Edison executives and Madigan associates have been indicted, including his most important political confidant, former congressman and lobbyist Michael McClain of Quincy, Mass.
According to court documents, federal prosecutors accuse Edison leaders of bribing Madigan’s associates in exchange for help passing bills in their favor. The filing does not name Madigan, but prosecutors make clear that he is the “Public Official A” in the document.
Edison admitted it secured positions for Madigan’s associates between 2011 and 2019, often requiring little or no work, and contracted for his associates to receive favorable treatment under the statute.
Edison agreed last August to pay $200 million to defer prosecution of bribery charges to which it pleaded guilty.
Despite Madigan’s resignation from the House, he remains chairman of the state Democratic Party and head of the 13th District Democratic Party organization.
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