Peoria Standard

In a move to bolster the effort to open a formal investigation into Michael J. Madigan, Rep. Ryan Spain has encouraged legislators to convene a Special Investigating Committee Petition, which would seemingly be a strategic move with the eventual goal of removing him from office. 

The calls for investigation have to do with his time at Com-Ed and his actions as a member of the Senate, and various wrongdoings that have been alleged during that time period. The renewed calls for an investigation are not unprompted, as more testimony has recently been made available to legislators, including various affidavits and statements. 

Rep. Spain stated on his website, “The US Attorney’s Office once again made it clear that Speaker Madigan, by name, is a target of an ongoing investigation into public corruption. The Feds are closing in on Madigan and yet the Democrat members of the Illinois House have yet to see cause to deem his behavior unethical and unworthy of a member of this Chamber. I find their defense of his actions reprehensible, frankly.”

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So far, House Democrats have not made their position clear, but it is certain that they are delaying proceedings until they can form a more solid position and strategy. They have not been cooperating with Republican efforts to investigate Madigan. 

About the situation, Spain added, “Law and order and ethical behavior must be restored in state government. The allegations that have been made are truly unprecedented and exhibit conduct unbecoming a member of this body. Michael Madigan must go."

Various other Republican colleagues have also called for the investigation to be renewed as more and more conduct is uncovered. A press conference was held on Nov. 19 by various members of the party to renew public interest in the situation.