Lake County Gazette

State Rep. Tom Weber (R-Lake Villa) argues the verdict is already in when it comes to House Speaker Mike Madigan.

“It has been obvious for months now that Mike Madigan is at the heart of the corruption scandal involving ComEd,” Weber said. “The latest indictments of four allies linked directly to him make it clear beyond any doubt about his involvement.”

Weber isn’t alone in rendering his harsh assessment of the veteran lawmaker. To date, at least 18 Democratic lawmakers have come out to insist they have no intentions of supporting his re-election campaign, and he continues to find himself at the center of the ComEd pay-for-play scandal where all the perks are alleged to have been steered to him in exchange for favorable legislation.

In addition, a Special House Committee panel was also recently convened to look into some of Madigan’s most suspect behavior to determine if any sanctions up to possible expulsion are warranted.

Weber is anxious to see the panel get back to doing its work he stated.

"Since Madigan still refuses to step down, even though the number of House Democrats who have said they will not support him for another term as Speaker has grown, the Special Investigating Committee must be convened to take action," Weber said.

“The only way to restore any slight notion of trust in Illinois government is for Mike Madigan to go," Weber said.

Among the four individuals recently indicted was longtime Madigan pal and lobbyist Michael McClain, who counts bribery among the charges he faces.

Representing the 64th House District, Weber recently won a second term with nearly 62% of the vote against Democrat Leslie Armstrong-McLeod.