McHenry Times

Veteran state Rep. Allen Skillicorn (R-Crystal Lake) argues the still-evolving “pay for play” scandal allegedly involving longtime House Speaker Mike Madigan calls for more than just his immediate ouster.

“His minions, like my Democratic opponent, have enabled and condoned this immoral behavior,” said Skillicorn, who insists he also wants to see all Democrats that have received campaign funding from him return that money.

Skillicorn quickly adds that includes his 66th District opponent, Suzanne Ness, who has received in the neighborhood of $250,000 from Madigan's campaign war chest.

After nearly four decades of being in control in Springfield, Madigan now finds himself at the center of an unfolding federal corruption probe involving ComEd. Federal prosecutors contend the company engaged in a “years-long bribery scheme” involving jobs, contracts and payments that were steered to him in his role as house speaker and chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party.

To date, no charges have been filed against the state’s longest-serving lawmaker, but prosecutors have not been shy in asserting that the utility giant sought to “influence and reward” Madigan by providing financial benefits to those directly tied to him.

Skillicorn has had enough.

“Our great state is a laughingstock as everyone knows. Illinois isn’t a democracy, but a thugocracy ruled by Madigan for over 30 years,” he added. “It is finally time for Michael J. Madigan to be held accountable for decades of abusing the public trust, starting with his resignation as speaker of the House.”

In publicly announcing the case against Commonwealth Edison public, U.S. Attorney John Lausch noted the investigation is ongoing. The Chicago Tribune reports federal investigators have moved to subpoena Madigan for information, including “possible job recommendations.”

In a statement, a spokesperson for Madigan said he plans to cooperate with the probe, adding “The speaker has never helped someone find a job with the expectation that the person would not be asked to perform work by their employer, nor did he ever expect to provide anything to a prospective employer if it should choose to hire a person he recommended.”