Martin McLaughlin | File photo
Martin McLaughlin | File photo
Martin McLaughlin is hoping change in Springfield actually comes to mean new beginnings.
“I would say more and more democrats coming out to voice opposition to Mike Madigan, including the governor saying there is a need for a change of direction, is a positive thing,” McLaughlin told Lake County Gazette.
"My hope is that the change in leadership also gives democrats and republicans a chance to reset the rules of the House so that great ideas can actually find their way to the floor as I believe things were meant to be," said McLaughlin.
Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan
| File Photo
With as many as 18 democratic lawmakers now insisting they have no intentions of supporting Madigan’s re-election efforts, McLaughlin, who recently knocked off Marci Suelzer (D- 52nd District) for the right to replace outgoing state Rep. David McSweeney, is hoping the time has come for a new direction in Springfield.
The state’s longest tenured lawmaker, Madigan now finds himself at the center of a still unfolding federal corruption probe involving ComEd and a pay-for-play scheme where all the perks were allegedly steered to him in exchange for favorable legislation.
More recently, four Madigan associates were indicted in connection with the scheme, including longtime pal and local lobbyist Michael McClain, who counts bribery among the charges he faces.
“I’m hoping all these democrats that have stepped forward mean what they say and aren’t just giving us a head fake,” said McLaughlin, “I would think that everyone can see substantive change is needed in Springfield to help get this state back on the right track.”
In the end, McLaughlin stated that it make take more than showing Madigan the door to bring about the kind of change in Springfield he thinks is actually needed.
“I hope that marks the start...I’m hoping not having him around to control everything, including the purse strings, will make a difference and give more people the courage to stand up for what clearly are the right things," said McLaughlin
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