Dupage Policy Journal

Laura Hois argues showing House Speaker Mike Madigan the door should only be the start in resurrecting Springfield.   

“When Michael Madigan resigns, the many ethics reform bills proposed by Republican lawmakers that were ignored in 2019 should be heard, debated and voted upon,” Hois told the DuPage Policy Journal. “Illinois needs good, honest leaders who put the taxpayers first by acting for and supporting families and small business owners.”

Now running against incumbent state Rep. Anne Stava-Murray (D-Naperville) in the 81st District, Hois insists that’s never been Madigan’s way, and the Springfield’s current state of affairs bear that out.

After nearly four decades of being in control in Springfield, Madigan now finds himself at the center of an unfolding federal corruption probe involving ComEd. Federal prosecutors contend the company engaged in a “years-long bribery scheme” involving jobs, contracts and payments that were steered to him in his role as house speaker and chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party.

To date, no charges have been filed against the state’s longest-serving lawmaker, but prosecutors have not been shy in asserting that the utility giant sought to “influence and reward” Madigan by providing financial benefits to those directly tied to him.

“Michael Madigan should resign from this leadership position as speaker of the Illinois House immediately,” Hois added. “More Democrats should demand his resignation. That, together with electing more honest, public service-minded, problem-solving representatives to balance the House, will be important first steps toward restoring our trust in Illinois government.”

Still, Hois admits she doesn’t expect to see Madigan go unless he is forced to.

“For years now, Madigan has exerted absolute control over what issues get a hearing and which get a vote in the Illinois House, corruptly abusing his power and getting away with it,” she added.