Dupage Policy Journal

Former DuPage County Board member Kevin Wiley views Mike Madigan’s ouster as just part of the process in the fight to restore Springfield’s tortured credibility.

“There’s obviously more to Springfield’s problems than Mike Madigan, though he was the headline,” Wiley told the DuPage Policy Journal. “Whatever it is happening with the FBI right now runs further than Madigan. His involvement is just the tip of the iceberg.”

After nearly four decades running the House, Madigan was replaced in his speaker role and later resigned from his District 22 legislator seat. He also quit his post as chair of the Illinois Democratic Party.

The dramatic changes come after Madigan was linked to a federal Department of Justice corruption probe last summer that reportedly involved ComEd.

While Madigan has not been charged and maintains his innocence, ComEd has also agreed to pay a $200 million fine as the probe continues to unfold.

Wiley laments even with Madigan gone from the scene, the remnants of all the damage he caused remain clear for all to see.

“We’re still stuck with all the debt, all the corruption and all the bad laws that have become embedded,” he said. “Until we can get our arms around those things, nothing real changes. The change of leadership may change the conversation, but that’s the extent of it until we deal with those issues.”

Even with Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch (D-Hillside) already installed as Madigan’s replacement as the speaker, Wiley said he thinks the fight to assume the power he left behind is far from over.

“I anticipate we will see plenty of infighting from among Democrats,” he said. “Losing a keep component to any team causes disruption. I’m not saying Madigan was good at what he did, but he definitely was a key component.”