Lake County Gazette

Illinois Rep. Tom Weber (R-Lake Villa) wants House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) to honor the voters' will.

"Last month voters resoundingly rejected Gov. J.B. Pritzker's referendum for an overarching democratic tax increase," Weber told the Lake County Gazette. "Just a little over 30 days later, Mike Madigan ignored the will by promising House Democrats an income tax increase in exchange for their votes to retain him as [House] Speaker for his 20th term."

Madigan pledged as part of his campaign to secure the 60 votes needed for another term as House Speaker.

Illinois Democratic House Speaker Mike Madigan (Chicago) said during the House Black Cacus that tax creases could easily happen if he were voted in for another term, even after Gov. Pritzer (D) referendum was rejected by voters last month. | File Photo

Madigan, Illinois' longest-tenured lawmaker, is the central focus of a still-unfolding federal corruption probe involving ComEd. The energy company faces fraud allegations for a pay-for-play scheme where all the perks were allegedly steered to him in exchange for favorable legislation.

To date, multiple arrests and indictments of other state government officials have brought some clarity to the depth of corruption that has so long had power. 

A Special House Committee panel recently convened to look into some of Madigan's most suspect allegations to determine if any sanctions, up to possible expulsion, are warranted.

With Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) having emerged as his biggest challenger, the Daily Herald reported Dec. 5 that Madigan told members of the House Black Caucus it is "very possible" to raise the state's flat income tax rate, should Pritzker again seek the initiative.

Weber has long argued the time for Madigan to go has never been more evident.

"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. The only way to restore any slight notion of trust in [the] Illinois government is for Mike Madigan to go."

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