SE Illinois News

Republican state House candidate Lisa Ciampoli is demanding that rival state Rep. Katie Stuart return all the campaign contributions she received from the political organization of embattled House Speaker Mike Madigan.

“Mike McClain, one of Speaker Madigan’s head henchmen, who is now also under federal investigation, made donations to my opponent,” said Ciampoli, who is challenging Stuart in the 112th District. “Stuart is too entangled in Madigan’s web of corruption and lies. I’m calling on Rep. Stuart to return the money. Sadly, her credibility has already been tainted. It is clear that she cannot be trusted with your hard-earned money or your vote this November.”

According to Illinois State Board of Elections records, McClain made his $200 contribution to Stuart just before her 2018 Republican primary win over Dwight Kay.

McClain, also a former lawmaker, is now under criminal investigation by federal agents who recently raided his home as part of a sweep where the homes of fellow Madigan confidantes Kevin Quinn and former Chicago Alderman Mike Zalewski were also targeted.

The Prairie State Wire has previously reported that Stuart’s campaign has also received as much as $1.95 million from Madigan’s campaign war chest since running for office in 2017, including at least $63,764 two weeks before voters went to the polls in November 2018.

The longest-serving lawmaker in state history, Madigan now finds himself at the center of an ongoing federal corruption probe involving utility giant ComEd and a pay-for-play scheme.

While no formal charges have been lodged against Madigan, 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 as a way of currying favor.