The longest-serving legislator in U.S. History found guilty of 10 charges.

Illinois lawmakers expressed a variety of reactions following the conviction of former House Speaker Michael Madigan on multiple federal charges for corruption.

Republicans who had long complained about Madigan’s style of leadership stepped up their calls for ethics reform at the Capitol, while Democrats sought to move on from the Madigan years and focus their attention on the future.

At a virtual press conference, House Republican Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) said: “We knew this day would come.”

Madigan was found guilty of bribery, conspiracy, and extortion. The majority of his convictions were related to his alleged attempts to obtain favors from Commonwealth Edison officials, including no-work contracts, in exchange for supporting favorable legislation. Madigan was convicted of 10 counts, but found not guilty of seven. The jury was deadlocked over the remaining six charges that he and former lobbyist Mike McClain shared.

Madigan was known for being a pain in the sides of Illinois governors. Former Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner said “I’m not in charge” when referring to Madigan. Madigan was not a major obstacle to Governor Rauner. JB Pritzker served only two years with the now convicted former speaker.

Pritzker, in a press release, said that the Madigan verdict sent a strong message to those in government or considering public service. “If you choose corruption, you will be caught and punished,” he added.

House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch (D-Hillside) assumed the position of speaker in January 2021, after Madigan’s reelection campaign was doomed by a lack of support from House Democrats. Madigan, according to the Tribune called Welch to ask him if he wanted to be speaker after it became clear that he was losing support.

Welch protected Madigan the year before, after Republicans tried to remove him from office due to “conduct unbecoming a legislator”. This was done via a special House investigation committee.

House GOP began the effort after ComEd, which was accused of giving favors to Madigan’s allies to try to get Madigan to support legislation, was accused. Welch, the Democratic member of the committee appointed by Madigan to lead it, voted along with two other Democrats to close the investigation. He called it a “sham trial”. Republicans accused him to protecting Madigan against discipline for more than a full year before he had been charged with crimes relating to his relationship to ComEd.

Welch stated in a press release that “I always believed a court of justice was the best place to resolve this.” “Today’s result leaves me with a great appreciation and respect of our legal system.” “Investigators, prosecutors and a jury made up of Illinoisans all did their jobs.”

Welch said that House Democrats, who started their third term in January as Speaker, are now “focused” on helping the working people.

At a Wednesday news conference, Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria), who was instrumental in forming the committee that investigated Madigan, criticised Welch for his leadership.

Spain stated at the press conference that “our efforts could have stopped this situation years ago, if the majority party had cooperated to support ethics reforms and investigate the pattern corruption which has been fully displayed for Speaker Mike Madigan.”

Democrats shift their focus

Madigan served as the chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois for many years. He was able, as party chair, to direct contributions towards helping Democrats win races and build a majority of the Illinois House. This majority has been intact since the mid-1990s.

Lisa Hernandez, Democratic Party of Illinois chair, said in a press release that she “has focused on building a transparent, accountable and people-focused Party” since taking over in 2022, after U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly succeeded Madigan in the 2021.

Hernandez stated that “public service is not a right, but a responsibility. Those who violate the public’s trust should be held accountable no matter what their background.”

Republicans said that Democrats were not absolved from their ties with their former party chairman, Madigan. Many can attribute their electoral successes to Madigan.

In a recent statement, Illinois Republican Party Chair Kathy Salvi stated that “nearly every Democrat has benefited from Madigan’s corrupt practices in Illinois in some way. They have all been willing sellers of their souls in exchange for hefty contributions and the support Madigan built his political machine.”

Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) was outspoken during the last years of Madigan’s term about sexual harassment in the Democratic Party of Illinois, and bullying within the House. As prosecutors probed the inner workings and circle of Madigan in the House, her name was mentioned early on.

Cassidy stated in a press release that “some measure of accountability” for decades of abuse and corruption of power is critical and will impact our state government’s future for generations. “Especially in an era when the federal government is being subsumed under blatantly corruption forces, it’s important that our state government be trusted by the public, and focus on the will of people instead of self-interest,” Cassidy said.

Cassidy, along with 19 other House Democrats, was the one who sunk Madigan’s speakership by 2021, when they opposed his reelection. This forced him to withdraw from the race, and shortly thereafter, resign. The group was against Madigan’s handling on harassment allegations, and they were concerned about a possible corrupt relationship between Madigan & ComEd.

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) briefly challenged Madigan to the Speakership in 2021.

Williams told Capitol News Illinois that “it’s clear” we have unambiguously moved away from past practices, which placed politics above people. It is time to move on from this chapter as we face difficult challenges both as a nation and as a state.

Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) said that the verdict is “a sobering reminder of our never-ending work.”

Harmon stated in a press release that “the jury’s verdict closed a long and disturbing chapter in Illinois history.” It’s a reminder that abuse of power, corruption and manipulating public policy to achieve personal gain cannot be tolerated. We can’t be effective if the people don’t trust us.”

Republicans Call for Reform

House Republicans say Madigan’s legacy lives on in the House Rules, which govern the way the House operates.

The issue at the core of the ComEd controversy and these convictions was the unchecked power of Mike Madigan in deciding whether or not to consider a bill for consideration.