SE Illinois News

State Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) is calling for more ethics reform in the wake of the indictment of former Illinois house speaker Michael Madigan.

“I applaud the tireless work of the U.S. Attorney’s office, the FBI and the IRS in continuing to go where this corruption case investigation takes them involving former Speaker Mike Madigan and his associates. In this current 22-count indictment, Madigan and his associate Mike McClain are named, but U.S. Attorney Lausch also said they have more work ahead," Niemerg said in a statement. "I came to the General Assembly to change the business-as-usual attitude and help bring respectability, accountability and trust back to our government. I will continue to fight for a better Illinois for our families through better public policies to help clean up corruption in Illinois.” 

In a series of papers and documents revealed as part of the investigation, Madigan was known as "official A." He and former Commonwealth Edison lobbyist and Quincy-native Michael McClain have been accused of running a racketeering ring involved in a $150 million bribery scandal.

In a statement announcing the indictment, the Department of Justice noted Madigan was indicted on "racketeering and bribery charges for allegedly using his official position to corruptly solicit and receive personal financial rewards for himself and his associates."

"Corruption by an elected official and his associates undermines the public’s confidence in our government," U.S. Attorney John Lausch, who filed the indictment, said. "The indictment alleges a long-term, multifaceted scheme to use public positions for unlawful private gain. Rooting out and prosecuting the kind of corruption alleged in the indictment will always be a top priority for this office."

Madigan, 79, held power for 36 years as House Speaker. He resigned on Feb. 18, 2021, months after his and McClain’s operation was discovered to have funneled $150 million in bribes through ComEd. ComEd itself was investigated under the federal racketeering RICO law until it signed a plea worth $200 million.

Madigan has continued as a senior partner with Madigan and Getzendanner, a law firm specializing in property tax adjustments. For years Madigan was also criticized for his role in that firm for its close ties to other prominent Democrats authorized to lower property taxes.