Pritzker Says Madigan Should "Speak Up" About Corruption Allegations
Governor JB Pritzker speaks at a news conference Wednesday in Decatur. (Source: State of Illinois Live Stream)
On the eve of the kickoff of a Special Investigative Committee in the Illinois House of Representatives looking into allegations against Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago), Governor JB Pritzker says Madigan should “speak up” but came short of calling on the embattled Speaker to testify before the committee.
Speaking in Decatur Wednesday afternoon, Pritzker was asked if he believes Madigan should testify before the committee.
“It’s certainly true the Speaker needs to step up and answer questions,” said Pritzker. “We need to hear much more.“
Pritzker says the charging documents filed against Commonwealth Edison last month that identified Madigan as “Public Official A” gave many “implications, but no explicit allegations.”
Meanwhile, Republicans on the committee could attempt to subpoena the Speaker if he does not testify voluntarily, but it’s likely they will require at least one Democrat on the committee to join them.
“We’re going to invite the Speaker to testify,” said Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon), the top Republican on the committee.
Demmer did not detail plans to subpoena Madigan.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”
Though other Republicans on the committee say they are skeptical if they’ll get a fair shake.
“The committee, on the Democrat side, is composed of Mike Madigan’s top leadership team, says Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst) who will sit on the panel. “It’s essential we have a fair framework to conduct this investigation and get real access to the necessary documents, information, and testimony so that we can shed sunlight on these issues for the people of Illinois.”
Both committee members Rep. Natalie Manley (D-Joliet) and Rep. Lisa Hernandez (D-Cicero) are Assistant Majority Leaders on Madigan’s leadership team. The committee chairman, Rep. Chris Welch (D-Hillside), is not. Welch does chair the powerful House Executive Committee, where Madigan traditionally installs a close ally.
A message to Welch asking if he would support a subpoena for Madigan was not returned.
Madigan’s spokesman, Steve Brown, did not return an e-mail from the Illinoize asking if the Speaker would testify before the committee.
The Special Investigative Committee meets Thursday morning at the State Capitol though no testimony is expected.