Are the chickens finally coming home to roost in Illinois? We’ve reported previously on the corruption that abounds in the state. Despite his stranglehold on the statehouse for decades, there were hints that Mike Madigan, who served as the House Speaker for 36 years, might actually have been ensnared in an ongoing federal corruption investigation involving ComEd, Illinois’ largest electric utility.
Madigan, who had served in the legislature since 1971, announced his resignation in February of 2021. As the Chicago Tribune reported at the time:
A half-century after he was first sworn into the Illinois House from Chicago’s Southwest Side, Michael Madigan announced his resignation Thursday, a little more than a month after he was deposed by fellow Democrats as the nation’s longest-serving statehouse speaker.
In a statement, the embattled 78-year-old lawmaker, ensnarled in a federal corruption investigation, lashed out at his critics as he sought to defend his actions during his 36-year reign as House speaker.
On Wednesday, came word that Madigan himself has now been indicted on a laundry list of charges, including racketeering and bribery.
The 22-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury comes after a yearslong federal investigation and alleges Madigan participated in an array of bribery and extortion schemes from 2011 to 2019 aimed at using the power of his office for personal gain.
The long-awaited charges punctuate a stunning downfall for Madigan, the longest serving leader of any legislative chamber in the nation who held an ironclad grip on the state legislature as well as the Democratic party and its political spoils. He was dethroned as speaker in early 2021 as the investigation swirled around him, and soon after resigned the House seat he’d held since 1971.
Per WGN:
Federal prosecutors allege Madigan was essentially the leader of a group that engaged in criminal conduct for his benefit. They call it the “Madigan Enterprise.”
The indictment says members of Madigan’s crew allegedly engaged in illegal activities such as “soliciting and receiving bribes and unlawful personal financial advantage from persons and parties having business with the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago.”
If convicted, the 79-year-old Madigan could face up to 20 years in prison.
Illinois, of course, has a long history — some might even call it a tradition — of sending its elected officials off to jail.
While national politics tend to grab headlines and our attention on a daily (hourly) basis, there is no shortage of intrigue going on in our statehouses. Missouri is no exception. But Illinois seemingly goes above and beyond in the corruption department. (“Corruption in Illinois” has its own Wikipedia page. And how many states can boast that four of their last seven governors have served jail time?!)
For his part, Madigan denies any wrongdoing:
“I was never involved in any criminal activity. The government is attempting to criminalize a routine constituent service: job recommendations. That is not illegal, and these other charges are equally unfounded,” Madigan said in a statement obtained by CNN.
Certainly, if the case is brought to trial, it will be fascinating to watch.
Illinois Governor Pritzker released a statement following news of the indictment:
“An indictment of this magnitude is a condemnation of a system infected with promises of pay-to-play, and the era of corruption and self-dealing among Illinois politicians must end. The conduct alleged in this indictment is deplorable and a stark violation of the public’s trust. Michael Madigan must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
Ultimately, every person in elected office is responsible for doing the right thing – and not lining their own pockets. I am fully committed to eradicate the scourge of corruption from our political system, and today’s indictment is an important step in cleaning up Illinois. I have faith that our justice system will help restore the public’s trust in government.
When I ran for office, I made clear that I would be beholden to no one, and that I would serve the best interests of the people of Illinois. I have upheld that vow. For the past three years, my administration has made clear that such abuses will not be tolerated, and we’ve tightened our ethics laws. I will continue to work with the General Assembly to restore the public’s trust.“
Pritzker is up for re-election this year.
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