Lake County Gazette

State Senator CraIg Wilcox said, like many people, he was hardly stunned by the news that Illinois Speaker of the House Mike Madigan was embroiled in a bribery scandal.

“Not at all. Just excited to realize that the feds hadn’t taken COVID off,” said Wilcox, a Republican from McHenry representing the 32nd District. “This is probably been going on for quite some time; obviously for the last year and a half we have been seeing charges, indictments or investigations into the leaders of the Democrat Party of Illinois.”

Madigan, who has been Speaker for all but two years since 1983, has not been charged. But he was identified as the target of Commonwealth Edison’s efforts to influence legislation in the Illinois General Assembly.

Rep. Mike Madigan | File Photo

ComEd, the state’s largest electric utility, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago, agreed to a plea deal on a single count of bribery that calls for a $200 million fine and an agreement that the utility will comply with all laws for three years. Under the deferred prosecution agreement, the criminal charge in the U.S. District Court of Northern Illinois will be dismissed upon compliance.

Madigan was identified by his title and as “Public Official A” but never named in court documents filed on July 17.

“ComEd understood that, as Speaker of the House of Representatives, Public Official A was able to exercise control over what measures were called for a vote in the House of Representatives and had substantial influence and control over fellow lawmakers concerning legislation, including legislation that affected ComEd,” according to court documents.

Wilcox said Madigan, elected to the Legislature in 1970, has steadily gained influence. The 78-year-old Chicago native also serves as chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party and controls a large campaign fund.

“All you need to do is look at the power he has consolidated to that position,” Wilcox told Lake County Gazette.

He said Madigan has imposed severe restrictions in the Legislature, preventing Republicans from wielding much influence, and even limited debate and discussion. 

That needs to change, said Wilcox, who was appointed to his Senate seat in October 2018 and elected to a full term a month later.

“We need the Democratic majority to support campaign finance reform, fair redirecting process, term limits in leadership — all of the things other good states have in their rules,” he said.

Wilcox said the legislature should resume to a time of open and far debate. The minority party should be allowed an opportunity to persuade enough lawmakers to pass a bill.

If Madigan resigns, those changes could happen, he said. As more news emerges, the Speaker may face no alternative.

Wilcox is surprised by one thing.

“It’s unbelievable the Democrat Party has not called for him to step aside,” he said.

Wilcox, a retired Air Force colonel, said some legislators may stay loyal to him to obtain campaign funds. Still, he said there has been some movement, with Gov. J.B. Pritzker saying Madigan needs to resign if the accusations are true, and other progressive Democrats starting to make the same calls.

“It’s not going to be the minority Republicans who push him out,” Wilcox said. “It will take the Democrats to say, ‘We no longer have the public’s trust. We need you to step aside.’”

Wilcox noted that progressive House Democrats voted to give Madigan another term as speaker.

“This is the double talk we expected out of the left,” Wilcox said. “People need to stand up in November. That’s the voice I’m waiting to hear.”