SE Illinois News

Republican state House hopeful David Friess of Red Bud doesn’t see embattled House Speaker Mike Madigan releasing his ironclad grip on Springfield anytime soon.

“I don't expect the Democrats on the (Special House) committee will demand that Madigan comply and testify ,” Friess told the SE Illinois News of the six member bipartisan panel recently convened to look into the state’s longest-tenured lawmaker's questionable conduct. “Unfortunately, Madigan has tremendous influence over all the Democrats in Springfield, even those on the committee.”

In addition to the House probe, Madigan now also finds himself at the center of an ongoing federal corruption probe in which investigators contend all the proceeds from a years-long, pay-for-play scheme were steered to his coffers in exchange for support on varying legislation.

Running in November against incumbent state Rep. Nathan Reitz (D-Steeleville) in the 116th District, Friess openly admits he doesn’t expect to see much come from the ongoing House probe.

“I do not expect the speaker will honor the House's call to testify,” he said. “The speaker knows he is under federal investigation for bribery and corruption, so I doubt he is eager to expose himself in the committee's investigation. That is why we need strong independent voices who will never vote for Madigan as speaker.”

Within the Special House committee, 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 up to possible expulsion. A two-thirds majority would be required for any discipline to be taken against Madigan, which could include expulsion.