SE Illinois News

Republican state House candidate David Friess is hoping a new special House committee convened to looking into the conduct of embattled House Speaker Mike Madigan will arrive at the same verdict he has.

“I have already demanded that Speaker Madigan resign and I will continue to push for that,” Friess told the SE Illinois News. “Given the serious nature of the allegations, and the admissions by ComEd in the deferred prosecution that ComEd bribed Speaker Madigan and his allies in exchange for favorable legislation, I expect the special House committee to conduct a thorough investigation.”

In a year in which four Springfield Democrats have been indicted on corruption related charges, the committee was formed at the insistence of House Minority Leader Jim Durkin after Madigan was implicated in an ongoing federal probe involving utility giant ComEd and a pay-for-play scheme.

The six-member bipartisan committee is made up of three GOP lawmakers (state Reps. Tom Demmer of Dixon, Deanne Mazzochi of Elmhurst and Grant Wehrli of Naperville) and three Democrats (state Reps. Emanuel “Chris” Welch of Hillside, Elizabeth Hernandez of Cicero and Natalie Manley of Joliet). A majority vote is needed for the probe to proceed to the next stage – a new committee empowered to determine potential sanctions that would then be voted on by the entire House. A two-thirds majority would be required for any discipline to be taken against Madigan, which could include expulsion.

Running against incumbent state Rep. Nathan Reitz (D-Steeleville) in the 116th District, Friess seems convinced the federal intervention is needed.

“I don't think Democrats, at this time, will stand up to Madigan,” he added. “My opponent has shown he will not stand up to Madigan, instead falling in line behind him. As speaker of the House, and having control over numerous campaign funds, Madigan controls which Democrat campaigns will receive funds. With the power of the purse, Madigan uses the threat of withholding campaign funds to pressure Democrat lawmakers to do his bidding.”

Again, Friess contends Reitz’s silence speaks volumes.

“My opponent has remained silent, which constitutes an endorsement of Madigan and his actions,” he said. “Although criticism of Madigan is warranted, my opponent seems to think staying silent is the safest course of action when it comes to winning this election.”