Dupage Policy Journal

Jeanne Ives, a 2020 Republican Congressional candidate and former Illinios lawmaker, was not disappointed that state Rep. Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) was ousted from the House Speaker's seat, but doesn't expect much to change.

"Madigan will cut any deal he has to and make any promise he needs to maintain power," Ives (R-Wheaton) told the Dupage Policy Journal. "He has been running the Democrat caucus in the House and (has) been the speaker for almost four decades. Madigan will be in charge no matter how the vote turns out." 

Ives' comments came hours after Democratic lawmakers tapped Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch (D-Hillside) to replace Madigan as House speaker during the first day of the new legislative session on Jan. 13. 

"Madigan knows his caucus members very well," Ives, who lost her bid for the Illinois 6th Congressional District seat to Democrat Sean Casten, said. "They have all been the beneficiaries of his power and money to get in office and stay in office."

Ives has long been critical of Madigan, but her disapproval intensified after the former House speaker came under federal investigation related to allegations of a ComEd bribery scheme earlier in 2020.

ComEd, which conceded to playing a role in the bribery scheme that also allegedly had ties to some Madigan allies, paid a $200 million fine but did not admit to any wrongdoing. 

With pressure mounting to move on from Madigan and the former speaker's controversies, the Democratic-led House opted for Welch, making him the first Black person to hold that position. 

The historical selection, however, did not stop top Republican leaders from criticizing the Hillside Democrat. 

"House Democrats have chosen to go from Mike Madigan, the most corrupt politician in America, to Rep. Chris Welch, a top Madigan lieutenant who has been credibly accused by multiple women in court documents of harassment, assault, and retaliation," state GOP Chairman Tim Schneider said in a statement. 

Welch was never charged over those allegations.

In response to Republicans bringing up the past, Welch questioned the timing.

“At no other occasion have these events been brought up, and I firmly believe my Republican colleagues are threatened by the potential growth of my profile,” Welch said in a statement.

Schneider said that Welch has served as Madigan's shield during hearings. 

"He's been a loyal Madigan ally for years but performed most recently as Madigan's human shield in legislative hearings investigating the sweeping corruption scandal that ultimately brought Madigan down," Schneider said.