Lake County Gazette

Former Republican Senate candidate Chris Kasperski is hoping the end of Mike Madigan comes to signal a new era in the world of Illinois politics in every way.

"I'm hoping it's a new day in Illinois," Kasperski told the Lake County Gazette "This is the first time in my life we've had anyone in control in Springfield other than Madigan. Regardless of who the new leader is, I'm excited, but I know where we go from here depends on if Rep. [Emanuel "Chris"] Welch [D-Hillside]truly means it when he says he wants things to be different."

Welch recently took over as House speaker after Madigan was replaced when a growing number of members from the Democratic Party vowed not to support his reelection.

Since then, the Chicago Democrat and the state's longest-serving lawmaker has also resigned from his 22nd District House seat and as chair of the Illinois Democratic Party as whispers about his possible involvement in a pay-for-play scheme involving ComEd have grown louder.

While no charges have been filed against Madigan and he admits to no wrongdoing, at least four individuals with links to him have been indicted as part of the ongoing probe, and ComEd agreed to pay a $200 million fine.

"I've been longing for the day when Madigan would be gone," Kasperski said. "The state has been collectively holding its breath for this to happen, and it's nice to be able to finally breathe fresh air. I have to admit I'm surprised to see it happen the way it did. After all this time, I expected more fireworks to get him out."

Kasperski said he plans to do all he can to make sure Springfield never again sees the likes of another Madigan.

"One person power corrupts," he said. "I think as long as we can avoid investing all the power in one person things should improve on both sides of the aisle. In that way, everyone's not beholden to just one person and hopefully people will have to work together to get things done the way the system was intended."