SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Republican and Democrat politicians alike in Illinois have had their own political corruption problems and criminal probes over the years.
But, State Representative Ryan Spain places all the blame on Democrats, for now-former House Speaker Mike Madigan being indicted by a federal grand jury for bribery and racketeering — saying Madigan’s legacy of corruption has been going on as long as Spain has been alive.
“This legacy has been known for years by Democrats who have enabled him in the State of Illinois,” said Spain. “Illinois House Democrats have voted for Mike Madigan as speaker. They’ve received millions of dollars in campaign contributions from Madigan enterprises.”
Spain says Democrats might be willing to turn a little bit of, in his words, “revisionist history” — taking credit for one of their own going down. But he says it was his party who invoked House rules that called for a special investigation.
Spain spoke at a State Capitol news conference by Illinois GOP lawmakers after the indictment was officially announced. Other Peoria-area lawmakers issued statements.
“Today’s indictment of former Speaker Mike Madigan comes as no surprise to anyone with any knowledge of our state government. While Madigan may be finally facing repercussion for his unethical dealings, his shady and questionable ways still pollute our state government. It is our duty as public servants to root out the criminal corruption that has been allowed to fester. The people of Illinois deserve better. They deserve elected officials who are willing to pass true ethics reform that will hold criminals posing as lawmakers accountable for their crimes.”
–State Sen. Win Stoller
“The indictment of former Speaker Michael Madigan is another step in the long process to clean up Illinois corruption. During his half-century in office, Michael Madigan spearheaded Illinois’ decline, all while using his position of power and the state government to enrich himself personally. Starting with Governor JB Pritzker, Madigan’s allies in the Illinois Democrat Party will have to answer for why they enabled this corruption for so long that contributed greatly to our state’s challenges. As a former federal prosecutor, I applaud the United States Attorney John Lausch and his team for their work. The type of corruption outlined in the indictment must be eradicated from our political system and the people of Illinois deserve justice.”
–U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood
“The indictment of former House Speaker Mike Madigan is a dark day for Illinois government. Today’s indictment uncovers how the former Speaker leveraged his position as House Speaker to personally benefit him and his allies. Now, more than ever, it is important that we elect leaders who will put the people of Illinois above their special interest pals. As Secretary of State, I will always put the people of Illinois first and make sure that government works for them, not special interests.”
–State Rep. Dan Brady
“Today’s indictment of former Speaker Madigan comes as no surprise to far too many people. Once again, the ethics laws of our state have failed the people of Illinois and has forced the federal government to step in to clean up Illinois’ corruption. Is is time for lawmakers of this state to take ethics seriously and to pass real reforms that will help keep corrupt public officials accountable for illegal actions.”
–State Sen. Sally Turner
“Today Madigan joins a long list of Illinois politicians who have been indicted by the federal government. This is another example of the need for stronger ethics standards and the continued need to root out corruption in Illinois government. It also shows why we need a strong two-party system that offer voters real choices, so that they can send corrupt politicians packing. People deserve the chance to have a government that they can trust.”
— State Sen. Jason Barickman
If WMBD News receives any other statements from area lawmakers representing parts of the Peoria area, we’ll post them here.
