After four decades at the helm of Illinois politics, Michael Madigan may no longer be “Mr. Speaker,” but he remains at the center of an ongoing federal investigation.
Normal, IL, USA / www.cities929.com
Jan 13, 2021 4:41 PM
(The Center Square) – New Illinois House Speaker Emmanuel “Chris” Welch is the first Black speaker in Illinois House history, taking the gavel away from Michael Madigan, the state s most powerful politician.
Until Wednesday, Madigan held the spot for all but two years since 1983. In a statement closing out the 101st General Assembly, his last as Speaker of the House, Madigan wished Welch “all the best.”
“It is my sincere hope today that the caucus I leave to him and to all who will serve alongside him is stronger than when I began,” Madigan said.
Illinois House ends Madigan investigation
Illinois House ends Madigan investigation The Illinois House Special Investigating Committee did little that was special or investigative before ending their probe of Mike Madigan.
Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s peers ended their investigation into whether he engaged in “unbecoming conduct” as part of the ComEd bribery scandal, concluding he did nothing wrong.
Three Democrats on the Illinois House Special Investigating Committee on Dec. 14 advanced charges against Madigan, then all voted against them. The three Republicans on the committee voted for them.
With no majority, the charges are now dead.
Committee chairman, Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, said Republicans instigated the House investigation as an act of political theater.
WBGZ Radio 12/14/2020 |
By Greg Bishop - Illinois Radio Network
Members of the Illinois House Special Investigating Committee into House Speaker Michael Madigan’s conduct in the ComEd bribery scheme will push to subpoena the speaker on Monday, the first hearing since a trove of emails were released.
Last summer, federal prosecutors released a deferred prosecution agreement they entered with utility ComEd, where the utility agreed to pay $200 million in fines for its role in a nine-year bribery scheme to influence Madigan, D-Chicago.
Since the DPA was released, a former ComEd official charged in the case has pleaded guilty. Four others, two former ComEd officials and two Madigan associates, have been charged but have pleaded not guilty.
How about Will Davis?
“greased by the old white guys”
Not a lot of gray area in that comment.
It will definitely be a woman. Or a man. Most likely an African American, unless it’s someone else.
Guessing the next Speaker is going to be a tiring parlour game over the next few weeks.
Madigan will remain Speaker until a successor is “elected and qualified”.
“(25 ILCS 10/2) (from Ch. 63, par. 23.2) Sec. 2. The Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate, and the Chairman and members of the Senate Committee on Committees shall be considered as holding continuing offices until their respective successors are elected and qualified.”