Area politicians react to Madigan verdict
Local politicians are reacting to former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan's conviction on 10 charges including conspiracy, bribery and wire fraud today.
State Senator Neil Anderson (R-Andalusia) has released the following statement following the guilty verdict:
'For decades, former House Speaker Michael Madigan and Illinois Democrats abused one-party rule to consolidate unchecked power, disregarding the widespread harm inflicted on our state. Today's guilty verdict is more than just justice served—it exposes a deeply corrupt Democratic machine built on backroom deals, cronyism, and political favoritism, all at the taxpayers' expense. Corruption is woven into the fabric of Illinois politics, and this conviction should be a wake-up call to Democrats: the days of operating without accountability must end. Ethics reform isn't just necessary—it's long overdue.'
House Minority Leader Tony McCombie issued this statement today:
'House Republicans remain determined in demanding meaningful reform to restore trust in our government and serve the interests of Illinois families. Today's federal court verdict convicting Mike Madigan, the former Speaker of the House whose 40-year reign casts a long shadow over Illinois politics, on 10 counts of bribery, conspiracy, and wire fraud underscores the urgent need for action. Unfortunately, Democrats in Springfield have repeatedly failed to take ethics legislation seriously, even after the resignation of the Legislative Inspector General, which should have been a wake-up call for change. Instead of seizing the opportunity to implement real oversight and accountability, the majority party has allowed the status quo of corruption and insider politics to persist. House Republicans are committed to fighting for robust reforms that prioritize the needs of Illinois families over political self-interest. It's time to end the culture of corruption and deliver the honest, transparent government our state deserves.'
State Senator Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island) released this statement:
'The jury has spoken and the rule of law prevails in Illinois even as we see it seemingly slip away in Washington, D.C. This is a stark reminder that elected officials are accountable to every single Illinoisan. Every action we take should serve the people in our districts and the people of the State of Illinois. Instead, when politicians start serving themselves, it is the people, through our justice system, that will send them a message and hand down verdicts like this.'
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