Lake County Gazette

Republican state House hopeful Chris Bos hopes a still unfolding federal corruption probe is only the start to a long overdue push to clean up Springfield.

“Hopefully, in time, we can get to a point where people can trust Springfield again to do what’s in the best interest of people and not just the sharks,” Bos told the Lake County Gazette. “We’ve got to make changes in this state, or continue on the path of people leaving and an overall downward (economic) spiral.”

Federal authorities recently moved to charge Fidel Marquez, who formerly served as vice president of governmental affairs, with bribery and conspiracy stemming from his alleged part in a pay-for-play scheme in which indictments say jobs, contracts and payments were steered to associates known to be close to Madigan in exchange for his support on certain legislation.

Earlier this summer, federal investigators also announced that the utility giant had been charged with a years-long bribery scheme where at least $1.3 million in perks were steered to Madigan associates. At the same time, Madigan’s office was served with a grand jury subpoena seeking more information about their dealings with such companies as at AT&T, Walgreens and Rush University Medical Center.

“I don’t think anyone can be too surprised by any of that and I’m happy that the feds are thoroughly doing their job and not just letting this become a flash point,” added Bos, who is running against incumbent state Rep. Mary Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville) in the 51st District. “I’m definitely hoping it leads to the prosecution it warrants.”

In Bos’ mind, the time for that seems long overdue, particularly in the case of Madigan, the state’s longest-tenured lawmaker.

“He has beyond lost the trust of the people of Illinois,” he added. “Mike Madigan is the key to cleaning up all of Springfield. We can talk ethics reforms forever, but until he’s out it's all just talk.”