SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan on Monday announced he’s “suspending” his campaign for a 19th term as Speaker.
In a statement, Madigan said, “This is not a withdrawal.”
Madigan further urged House Democrats to work to find someone other than him to get the 60 votes for House Speaker.
Madigan, who has led the Illinois House almost continuously since 1983, has been implicated in a bribery scam involving ComEd. Madigan has not been charged, and has said he’s done nothing wrong.
On Sunday night, House Democrats held a closed door vote for Speaker. Madigan got 51 votes, nine short of the number required for his re-election.
