Republican Katie Miller, who is looking to replace retiring Rep. David Harris (R-Arlington Heights) in the 53rd District, is calling for House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) to resign.
“Speaker Madigan should step down from his leadership position in the House and as head of the Illinois Democratic Party for potentially abusing his power and covering up for those close to him,” Miller said.
Miller's demand comes after Reps. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) and Scott Drury (D-Highwood) called for Madigan to step down from his post during Feb. 13's House floor debate since the speaker waited to address sexual harassment text messages political aide Alaina Hampton received from former Madigan political worker Kevin Quinn.
“Will my opponent Mark Walker demand his resignation?” Miller asked. “Will he pledge to not vote for him as speaker? Will he return the money he has received from him? Or will he again stand shoulder to shoulder with Madigan?”
Miller, a longtime nurse at St. Alexius in Hoffman Estates and case manager at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, said in 2009, as a member of the General Assembly, Walker voted for Madigan and in campaigns for elected office, Walker received more than $300,000 from committees controlled by Madigan.
“Democrats including state Rep. Scott Drury have demanded Madigan resign,” Miller said. “I call on my opponent, current legislators, and legislative leaders to do the right thing and demand Madigan resign, and pledge not to vote for him as speaker.”
She said Walker’s initial response, “My first thought about this woman was to wonder if there's a way to help her,” should be followed by action.
“Now Walker has the opportunity to show leadership and help by calling for Madigan to resign,” Miller said, adding for three years, Madigan and the leadership in Springfield failed to fill the position of legislative inspector general and failed to protect women leaving them feeling ignored and voiceless.
“Replacing that failed leadership is the responsibility of the members, and voters deserve to know where the candidates stand,” Miller said.
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