SE Illinois News

In his mind, Rep. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) believes Mike Madigan probably felt he had little choice but to walk away from his 22nd District House seat after being replaced as the speaker.

"You have to remember he was never a public servant, to begin with, so the idea of him still being in Springfield without having complete power isn't something you would think would appeal to him," Bailey told the SE Illinois News. "You just knew and could pretty much see the handwriting on the wall."

After almost four decades of being in power, the state's longest-running lawmaker said earlier this month that he is stepping down effective immediately. Madigan's resignation comes just weeks after he was replaced as House speaker, replaced by state Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch (D-Hillside) after nearly two dozen lawmakers from his party vowed not to back his reelection campaign.

The former Democratic Chicago lawmaker was implicated in a federal bribery probe that involved ComEd. The utility company paid a fine but didn't admit to wrongdoing. 

Madigan has not been charged and admitted no wrongdoing. 

With Madigan gone, Bailey hopes a new tone and sense of direction will soon come to Springfield.

"Anytime change comes to this town it's a good think because it weakens a power base that has been in place for far too long," he said.

Even now, Bailey said for Madigan, who remains Illinois Democratic Party chairman, walking away may be too much for him to do.

"I always say power blinds and when you lose the kind of power he had in Springfield, you can feel lost," he said. "So, yes, I still expect him to try to continue to be involved in things behind the scenes."