SE Illinois News

GOP state House candidate Darren Bailey says that the ongoing sexual harassment scandal that is now engulfing the office and organization of House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) is indicative of the disastrous way he’s always governed the state.

“All the state’s biggest troubles—the budget, pension system, taxes and debt—all trace back to Mike Madigan coming into power,” Bailey told the SE Illinois News. “To say that he has been bad for Illinois would be a gross understatement.”

The latest episode to cast Madigan in a bad light comes courtesy of longtime chief of staff Tim Mapes, who was forced out after being hit with accusations of sexual harassment and bullying by fellow Madigan staffer Sherri Garrett.

Mapes is now the fourth high-ranking member of Madigan’s operation to be hit with such allegations.

“I think Democrats need to call for Madigan’s resignation for allowing such an indecent climate to fester in his office,” said Bailey, who is running against Democrat Cynthia Given of Olney in the 109th House District. “He sets the tone, and I can see nothing of integrity that’s happened under his rule over all these years.”

Since the latest controversy went public, Madigan has announced that he has commissioned an all-female search committee to choose Mapes’ replacement as executive director of the state's Democratic Party. Among the group of 18 is state Rep. Juliana Stratton (D-Chicago), who is Democratic governor candidate J.B. Pritzker’s running mate.

Bailey said he’s convinced that many voters won’t see that as being enough.

“Nothing short of Madigan’s ouster will get this state back on track,” he said. “Everybody I talk to has grown tired of him and is convinced that’s what it will take. People are ready to take the state back.”

The 109th District includes parts or all of Jasper, Effingham, Clay, Richland, Lawrence, Wabash, Wayne, Edwards and White counties.