Madigan Isn't Going Away Without a Fight
House Speaker Michael Madigan speaks at a Statehouse news conference in 2019. Under fire, Madigan isn’t giving up his gavel without a fight.
Embattled House Speaker Michael Madigan issued a statement Friday evening indicating he’s not stepping aside as Speaker even though he’s implicated in a multi-million dollar bribery scheme:
"The decision on the next speaker of the Illinois House will be made at a caucus, after a full discussion of the issues facing our state and the qualifications of the candidates. I plan to be a candidate for speaker, and today I confirmed that I continue to have support from a significant number of House Democratic caucus members."
More than a dozen House Democrats have indicated they won’t support Madigan for another term in January. That has left his support under the 60-vote threshold for re-election. Thursday, Governor JB Pritzker said Madigan had to speak publicly about the allegations or should resign.
UPDATE (5:53 P.M.):
Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego), the only announced challenger to Madigan so far tells The Illinoize:
“I think that House Democratic Representatives have a choice. That is what democracy is all about.”
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UPDATE (6:04 P.M.):
A House Democrat who opposes Madigan receiving another term just texted a reaction:
“You didn’t think he would just quit, did you?”
No, as a matter of fact, I did not.
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This story will be updated.