Lake County Gazette

House of Representatives candidate Peter Pettorini said he was inspired to run by the alleged corruption former Illinois house speaker Michael Madigan, who was recently indicted, inspired under his 36-year-long rule.

"Corruption in Springfield has plagued communities for decades under Madigan's rule," Peter Pettorini, candidate for Illinois House 61, said in a statement. "I was inspired to run for state representative because on the school board and as a teacher, I've seen first hand the challenges facing many families today, and many of those challenges can be traced back to corruption in Springfield. I’m running against the corruption that has hurt Illinois families for far too long and I'm glad to see Madigan be held accountable for his actions."

Pettorini is running against State Rep. Joyce Mason (D-Gurnee).

Mason was a recipient of Madigan campaign funds in her 2018 election.

Antioch, Beach Park, Gurnee, Lake Villa, Lindenhurst, Old Mill Creek, Wadsworth, Winthrop Harbor, and Zion are all included in House District 61.

Pettorini has been an English teacher at Round Lake High School since 2014, he also serves on the Millburn 24 school board and as the President of the Lake Villa Township Republican Club.

In a series of papers and documents revealed as part of the investigation, Madigan was known as "official A." He and former Commonwealth Edison lobbyist and Quincy-native Michael McClain have been accused of running a racketeering ring involved in a $150 million bribery scandal.

In a statement announcing the indictment, the Department of Justice noted Madigan was indicted on "racketeering and bribery charges for allegedly using his official position to corruptly solicit and receive personal financial rewards for himself and his associates."

"Corruption by an elected official and his associates undermines the public’s confidence in our government," U.S. Attorney Lausch, who filed the charges with the court, said. "The indictment alleges a long-term, multifaceted scheme to use public positions for unlawful private gain. Rooting out and prosecuting the kind of corruption alleged in the indictment will always be a top priority for this office."

Madigan, 79, held power for 36 years as House Speaker. He resigned on Feb. 18, 2021, months after his and McClain’s operation was discovered to have funneled $150 million in bribes through ComEd. ComEd itself was investigated under the federal racketeering RICO law until it signed a plea worth $200 million.

Madigan has continued as a senior partner with Madigan and Getzendanner, a law firm specializing in property tax adjustments. For years Madigan was also criticized for his role in that firm for its close ties to other prominent Democrats, including former Cook County Assessor and Cook County Democratic Party Chair Joe Berrios.