Lake County Gazette

Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan has not been charged with a crime. Yet.

That may prove to be the key word, says Kathy Myalls, an attorney for advertising holding company Interpublic Group of Companies, in response to last week's news that Commonwealth Edison has agreed to pay a $200 million fine to settle a federal bribery charge.

The deal — a deferred prosecution — was struck between ComEd, the state’s largest electric utility, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago. If ComEd complies with all laws for three years, the criminal charge in the U.S. District Court of Northern Illinois will be dismissed.

In a court filing, federal prosecutors painted a picture of secret deals between the massive utility and Madigan — identified by his title and as “Public Official A” but never by name — in an attempt to guide favorable legislation.

“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.

Madigan, 78, has not been arrested. 

“Should Michael J. Madigan face criminal charges? Madigan is subject to the same laws as any other person in the state of Illinois or the United States of America,” she told Lake County Gazette. “If he provided favorable legislation to ComEd in exchange for jobs for his political pals, he absolutely should face criminal charges. He should also resign.”

Myalls said Illinois officials cannot he trusted to handle this case. Madigan, a Democrat representing the 22nd District in southwest Chicago, was first elected to the Legislature in 1970 and has served as speaker for all but two years since 1983. He controls a huge campaign fund and has long been considered the most powerful Democrat in the state.

“Who should investigate? Almost every elected Democrat in Illinois is beholden to Speaker Madigan,” Myalls said. “It should not be any of them. Federal prosecutors and investigators appear to be doing a bang-up job. We should let them continue.”

She said Friday’s announcement, which followed months of reports of investigations into the speaker, was not a shock.

“Of course not,” Myalls said. “Corruption and Illinois politicians have been bedmates for years. If any of this news reveals anything to anyone, they haven't been paying attention. I understand that Speaker Madigan does not use a cell phone. Is there any person you know who is able to afford a phone who does not use one?

“If it’s true that he does not, it can only be because he doesn't want a digital trail of his contacts,” she said. “The fact that this man has been the most powerful politician in the state tells you all you need to know.”

Illinois politics has been a passion for Myalls, a self-described “political junkie” and candidate for state representative in 2014. She also ran for a trustee position in New Trier Township.

She was elected to a four-year term as the New Trier Township Republican committeewoman in 2018.