SE Illinois News

Newly elected Illinois State Representative, Paul Jacobs, argues the ongoing federal corruption scandal swirling around House Speaker Mike Madigan screams for the term limits legislation he made a part of his campaign platform.

“There seems to be too much power that can be amassed in a long term,” Jacobs told the SE Illinois News, “Any person in that position for 40 years is going to have chances to abuse their power probably much more so than a limited term as house speaker.”

With all the controversy swirling around Madigan, Jacobs isn’t surprised that many have now had enough, including at least 18 democratic lawmakers that insist they have no intentions of supporting his reelection efforts. The state’s longest tenured lawmaker, Madigan now finds himself at the center of a still evolving scandal involving ComEd and a pay-for-play scheme where all the perks were allegedly steered to him in exchange for favorable legislation.

Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan | File Photo

More recently, four individuals with close ties to Madigan were indicted in connection with the scheme, including longtime pal and local lobbyist Michael McClain, who counts bribery among the charges he faces.

“I do believe that many of us legislators feel an ethical problem does exist and needs to be addressed,” said Jacobs. 

“Be they be democrats or republicans, we all feel that a replacement is more than likely in order at this point. We have to hope that there will be an election that will bring in a completely different attitude in Illinois politics that will lead us in a direction of fiscal responsibility, reform in spending and a truly balanced budget," said Jacobs.

Jacobs admits he doesn’t expect any of it to come easily, especially finally being able to show Madigan the door.

“We know that he could call in many cards and very possibly in the next month or so convince those that want to vote him out to vote him in...I don’t think that it’s going to be as easy as it has been for him in the past, but we all know power is present. We also know that Mr. Madigan is a fighter and I don’t think that he will go out not swinging," said Jacobs.