UPDATED: Madigan Successor Resigns Amid Allegations of "Inappropriate Conduct"
Former House Speaker Michael Madigan’s hand-picked replacement, 26-year-old Edward Guerra Kodatt, has resigned following allegations of “inappropriate conduct.”
After orchestrating the appointment of his successor last weekend, former House Speaker Michael Madigan pushed out the new legislator amid allegations of “inappropriate conduct.”
The Illinois House Clerk’s office confirmed Wednesday morning that Rep. Edward Guerra Kodatt (D-Chicago) has resigned.
Madigan, who continues to run the 13th Ward political organization on the southwest side of Chicago, held the vote to appoint his replacement on his own. Local Democratic officials held an open replacement meeting Sunday, in which Kodatt, an aide to Madigan ally Alderman Marty Quinn, was chosen for the position.
But, late Tuesday, Madigan and Quinn released a statement that Kodatt should resign.
“After learning of alleged questionable conduct by Mr. Kodatt, it was suggested that he resign as state representative for the 22nd District,” they wrote. “We are committed to a zero tolerance policy in the workplace.”
No details of the allegations have been made, and Kodatt has never been charged criminally in Cook County.
Our attempts to reach Kodatt were unsuccessful.
UPDATE (10:47 A.M.):
Madigan announced Wednesday he’ll support Angelica Guerrero Cuellar, the preferred candidate of Alderman Silvana Tabares, for the seat:
“After a fair and robust process on Sunday, we are prepared to proceed with selecting a replacement for the 22nd District Illinois House seat from the pool of candidates who already presented to the selection committee. I believe the most equitable way to proceed is to nominate the candidate who received the second-highest vote count. It is my intention to nominate Angelica Guerrero Cuellar.”
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