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.
Associated Press file photo
Days after being deposed as Illinois House speaker, Michael Madigan has vacated his Springfield apartment, fueling speculation that he will resign the Illinois House seat he has held since 1971.
Madigan’s decision to vacate his apartment at Lincoln Tower, about a block from the Illinois State Capitol, was first reported by Mark Maxwell, a television reporter in Springfield.
Maxwell tweeted a picture of an open door at Lincoln Tower, leading to a vacant apartment without a stick of furniture to be seen.
“Looking more and more like someone other than Michael Madigan will represent his district in Springfield for the first time in 50 years. Spotted staffers clearing out his apartment furniture today. No official resignation yet,” Maxwell tweeted.
We have had so many cloudy, gloomy days since December that it’s uplifting and encouraging to see the sun finally come out periodically as we stay home, work and teach
Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register via AP file
Federal prosecutors say the coronavirus pandemic did not affect the grand jury that last year indicted key members of former House Speaker Michael Madigan’s inner circle.
Madigan confidant Michael McClain, former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, onetime ComEd vice president John Hooker and ex-City Club President Jay Doherty have all pleaded not guilty
in response to a 50-page indictment filed in November. It accused them of a long-term bribery scheme designed to curry favor with the powerful legislative leader.
Though Madigan has not been criminally charged and denies wrongdoing, the case helped lead to the end of his tenure as Illinois House Speaker earlier this week.
Federal prosecutors said Friday the grand jury hearing evidence in the alleged ComEd bribery scheme involving then-House Speaker Michael Madigan was not affected by the coronavirus pandemic.