Dupage Policy Journal

For Republican state House hopeful Laura Hois, the jury is already in on some levels when it comes to the ongoing federal corruption probe involving ComEd that House Speaker Mike Madigan now finds himself at the center of.

“The ComEd scandal has intensified Illinois’ voters' desire to remove Madigan from office, without further delay,” Hois told the DuPage Policy Journal. “Everyone is saying he must go. It does not matter that Madigan has not been charged with a crime, his credibility has been decimated. He is the longest-standing speaker, best known for his pay-to-play politics and allowing corruption to permeate throughout his organizations.”

With Madigan entangled in an unfolding federal corruption probe in which payments and perks where allegedly steered to the state’s longest-serving lawmaker in exchange for his support of certain legislation, voters have now taken to protesting outside of Madigan’s home in hopes that he walks away. Protesters have included members from several advocacy groups, including the Sunrise Movement's Chicago chapter, which chided Madigan with chants of "no dirty energy" and banners that said: "No dirty energy, no dirty money."

The demonstrations come as Madigan is also under investigation by a special bipartisan state House committee recently convened to delve into his recent conduct to determine if any disciplinary actions are warranted on the part of lawmakers.

“I can’t recall a time when we were this close to forcing Speaker Madigan to step down,” added Hois, who is running against incumbent state Rep. Anne Stava-Murray (D-Naperville) in the 81st District. “The Illinois House’ Special Investigative Committee last week commenced disciplinary proceedings to uncover facts about Madigan’s conduct in relation to allegations against ComEd. Madigan’s own House Rule 91 could be used against him if the bipartisan committee by majority vote should proceed with disciplinary action.”

With November’s election just weeks away, Hois said she is hoping voters will keep the same level energy as they had to the polls.

“The best way to demand change is to vote the corrupt politicians out of office and elect honest candidates who will truly represent their families,” she said. “The state needs a good turnout of voters who will insist on positive changes and a brighter future for Illinois.”