SE Illinois News

Republican state Rep. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) finds it easy to figure out why Democrats have been as reticent as they have in the midst of the Mike Madigan firestorm.

“It’s because Mike Madigan holds the purse strings and it’s been that way for years and years,” Bailey told the SE Illinois News. “These lawmakers have put self-preservation over public service. There’s so much that needs to change in Springfield. Right now, Democrats don’t want any accountability, whether we’re talking about the virus, unemployment numbers or ethical reforms.”

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.

“This corruption cleaning effort needs to be at the top of everyone’s list, but Democrats are simply not going to bite the hand that feeds them,” Bailey added. “That’s the overriding message in all this, even though it should be clear to everyone that the General Assembly needs to be reconvening to deal with the issue of ethics reform in a real way.”

In the end, Bailey said he doesn’t expect Madigan to change anything just because Bailey thinks it’s the right thing to do.

“I think we’re going to have to force him because there’s no way he'll just leave,” he said. “During my time in Springfield, one thing I’ve noticed is the level of arrogance many of these politicians have after they’ve served for so long. Madigan has served longer than anyone, so you can just imagine.”