The Special Investigative Committee officially put an end to their “investigation” into Mike Madigan’s alleged involvement in the ComEd bribery scandal Monday afternoon. Each Democrat member of the committee headed by State Rep. Chris Welch (D-Hillside) voted to strike down a motion to discipline the Speaker.
Republicans on the Committee, Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Westmont) and outgoing Representative Grant Wehrli (R-Naperville), slammed the Democrats for putting their loyalty to Madigan above the very real questions that need to be addressed after four people, including Madigan’s closest confidant, have been indicted.
So far 19 House Democrats have said they will not support Mike Madigan for his reelection as Speaker. It’s a shame that other Democrats who campaigned on “cleaning up Springfield” and advocated for ethics reform still have the Speaker’s back.
Democrats deny motion to issue subpoenas, end legislative investigation into Speaker Madigan
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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The special legislative investigation into the bribery scheme surrounding House Speaker Mike Madigan is over. This comes as a final plea to issue subpoenas to Madigan and other key witnesses came up short. We are an investigative committee, said Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst). We, therefore, have the duty to use legal means and processes to seek the information we believe we need.
Members from both parties analyzed over 100 emails showing discussions between former lobbyist Mike McClain and key former executives at Commonwealth Edison. Mazzochi found several emails had clear evidence of abuse of power. She said they included threats from McClain to complete certain tasks for our friend otherwise known as Madigan.
Originally published on December 15, 2020 1:24 am
Democratic allies of House Speaker Mike Madigan on Monday ended an inquiry into whether the speaker did anything that should disqualify him from serving in the legislature.
Members of a “Special Investigative Committee” formed at the behest of Republicans deadlocked on whether to bring charges against Madigan related to a federal probe into a bribery scheme orchestrated by lobbyists for utility Commonwealth Edison to curry favor with the Speaker.
Monday’s hearing was the third of only three meetings since the committee was formed in August. Republicans again attempted to subpoena Madigan, along with others who declined to appear in front of the committee. But the panel deadlocked on that point, and ended with both accusing each other of political stunts.