Dupage Policy Journal

Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) is not surprised that former House Speaker Michael Madigan has retired from politics.

“Rep. Madigan’s retirement comes as no surprise to me and every other Illinoisan, and I have been looking forward to this 'new day’ in Illinois for some time,” Durkin said in a statement.

Madigan’s resignation comes after utility company ComEd admitted in a prosecution agreement that it engaged in a years-long bribery scheme with Madigan in exchange for favorable legislation, according to an Associated Press report. Before this, Madigan served as the House Speaker for all but two years since 1983. 

“Rep. Madigan’s autocratic rule over the decades has not made Illinois a more prosperous nor competitive state,” Durkin said. “Our state is in shambles – financially, structurally and ethically.”

Madigan’s exit, he added, provided an opportunity to improve the state.

“I urge the Democrats in both Chambers and the Governor to reflect on how we can use this opportunity to improve Illinois,” he said. ”New ideas and sincere collaboration between the parties is the only pathway forward.”

The ComEd admission started a loss of support for Madigan first seen in his failure to regain the speakership.