Lake County Gazette

Republican state Senate candidate Chris Kasperski isn’t surprised to see embattled House speaker Mike Madigan still be Mike Madigan, even with all the controversy now swirling around him.

“It is business as usual for the Madigan Machine,” Kasperski told the Lake County Gazette. “We have witnessed the most powerful state politician in our nation's history avoid both criminal and political retribution for his corruption and mishandling of the Illinois government and the Illinois Democratic Party.”

Kasperski laments none of the chaos has been enough to stop Madigan from recently raising upwards of $550,000 in a single-day fundraiser held just weeks after he was implicated in an ongoing federal corruption probe involving ComEd and a pay-for-play scheme. As chair of at least four political groups, Madigan is now reported to have nearly $23 million in his political coffers, at least partly accounting for the informal title he holds in the eyes of many as the most powerful man in state politics.

“Madigan's control of both the Illinois Democratic Party and the gatekeeper of all legislation to emerge from their committee dungeons make him so powerful,” added Kasperski, who is running against state Sen. Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) in the 31st District. “He has bought the compliance of both state Reps. Sam Yingling and Joyce Mason, as well as my opponent, who was quick to denounce Madigan during this campaign season, yet has still accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in contributions from Madigan, with no sign of returning it or donating it back to all the ComEd customers in her district that paid higher rates to fund their campaign corruption ring.”

Several media outlets have reported at least some of Madigan’s vast political warchest has gone to him legally defending himself and his organization, including a sexual harassment allegation that was ultimately settled.

Kasperski is at a loss to understand. 

“The only campaign funds that should be allowed to be used for legal fees should be exclusively campaign-related, and not to defend against any charges related to duties performed in an official capacity,” he said. “Using campaign committees to channel those bribes towards a legal defense for that action is reprehensible.”