Dupage Policy Journal

Laura Hois dreads Springfield is filled with too many Democrat lawmakers actually doing what longtime House Speaker is now criminally suspected of.

“Too many majority party lawmakers in Springfield use their elected positions to give jobs and contracts to friends and political allies,” Hois, who is now running against state Rep. Anne Stava-Murray (D-Naperville) in the 81st District, told the DuPage Policy Journal. “Democrat leaders don’t want to fight against the corruption in their own party because they are benefiting from it. They stay in office knowing that Madigan owns the system, the rules, the agenda, the relationships and the power.”

Hois argues that much is clear given the embattled lawmaker was recently able to raise around $555,000 in a single day fundraiser just weeks after being implicated in an ongoing federal corruption probe involving ComEd and a pay-for-play scheme. As chair of at least four political groups, Madigan is now reported to have nearly $23 million in his political coffers, at least partly accounting for the informal title he holds in the eyes of many as the most powerful man in state politics.

“Corruption has flourished under Madigan’s 38-year reign,” Hois added. “Elected officials are supposed to work for the people, not for the failed leader who works against Illinoisans. This will not change unless Madigan is forced to resign.”

Several media outlets have reported at least some of Madigan’s vast political war chest has gone to him legally defending himself and his organization, including a sexual harassment allegation that was ultimately settled.

For Springfield to actually reform, Hois argues that too needs to change.

“Politicians who engage in misconduct must not be allowed to use campaign funds to pay for their legal bills,” she said. “This is an outrageous abuse of power that must not be allowed to continue. Rep. (Deanne) Mazzochi introduced H.B. 4484 in February seeking to forbid lawmakers from using money received as campaign donations to pay for legal fees incurred due to their unethical behavior.”