Lake County Gazette

Denise Rotheimer is a unique voice amid the many people who are calling for the resignation of longtime House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) in the wake of a recent sexual harassment complaint involving one of his aides.

Rotheimer isn't just calling for Madigan's resignation due to party disapproval or the recent complaint –  although that plays a role – she's also calling for his resignation because of personal experience.

Over a year ago, Rotheimer submitted an ethics complaint about Sen. Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago).

Since then, she has been dismayed that her complaint and dozens of others have not been investigated and have subsequently expired partially due to the lack of an investigator general for several years.

“Madigan mishandled the entire process for sex harassment complaints to be taken seriously by presenting his bill at a committee hearing knowing that there was no legislative inspector general in office to investigate such complaints,” Rotheimer told Lake County Gazette on Feb. 21. “Madigan, (Senate President John) Cullerton, (House Republican Leader Jim) Durkin and (Senate Republican Leader Bill) Brady should all resign from their position of leadership because of their role in the cover up of 27 complaints that went uninvestigated and expired.”

Rotheimer said Madigan should have at least tried for the removal of members of the state ethics commission – however, she said, no one was even reprimanded.

She also noted that giving support and/or money to those accused of sexual harassment or other ethical breaches is suspect.

“Lawmakers, namely Cullerton, should not contribute $55k to fund the re-election campaign of Sen. Silverstein who was found to violate the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act for conduct unbecoming of a legislator if they want the public to believe that their efforts to rid the culture of corruption in Springfield is genuine,” Rotheimer said. “Springfield can provide accusers who file complaints against legislators with rights rather than deny rights to accusers and only afford the accused with all the rights in a process that is designed to protect them.”