Peoria Standard

House Republican Conference Chairman, Ryan Spain, publicly blasted House Democrats for squashing an attempt to investigate Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) for corruption and misconduct. Earlier this year, Spain was one of three petitioners to file a petition for a Special Investigation.

This type of investigation has been used in the past when legislatures have been removed from the House in Illinois. Democrats ended the investigation after hearing testimony from one witness that provided evidence that Republicans feel is extremely damaging for the Speaker. 

“The behavior of House Democrats in covering up the largest case of government corruption in our nation’s history against the longest-serving House Speaker in our nation’s history is irreprehensible. In protecting Speaker Madigan by shutting down this investigation, despite the fact Madigan does not have the votes to again be elected Speaker, House Democrats have effectively shut down the state legislature, including its oversight functions. Democrats decried the government shutdown during the Rauner Administration but have created a shutdown of their own to extend Madigan’s corruption and prevent a peaceful transition of power to the next Speaker of the Illinois House. It is shameful," Spain said.

House Republican Conference Chairman, Ryan Spain | File Photo

The investigation and Democrat attempts to stop it has delayed the House proceedings. The House has not held a session since May.