Marilyn Smolenski said #TimesUp is literally true for House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago), calling for his resignation.
Since former campaign worker Alaina Hampton went public with sexual harassment allegations against Kevin Quinn and allegations that Madigan covered it up, along with gubernatorial candidates and state representatives, Smolenski told North Cook News his resignation is the only way to make it right.
"I’m calling for Speaker Madigan to step down as Speaker and as head of the Illinois Democratic Party for abusing his power and covering up for those close to him who engaged in unwanted and inappropriate sexual misconduct,” Smolenski, the Park Ridge Republican running for the seat held by Rep. Marty Moylan (D-Des Plaines), said. “Time’s up Madigan!”
Marilyn Smolenski
She said Madigan mishandled this situation and an independent investigation should be conducted.
“Actions speak louder than words, his delayed actions show the culture in Springfield continues to protect the perpetrator,” Smolenksi, who owns Nickel and Lace, a women’s concealed bodywear holster brand, said.
Seeking the 55th District seat, which covers parts of Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Arlington Heights and the Northwest Side of Chicago, Smolenski said Democrats, including Rep. Daniel Biss (D-Evanston) and Chris Kennedy -- who are both running for governor -- and Rep. Scott Drury (D-Highwood), have all demanded that Madigan step down.
“Will my opponent, Rep. Marty Moylan, demand his resignation as well?” Smolenski asked. “Or will Moylan continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Madigan by turning a blind eye? Moylan has received hundreds of thousands of dollars from Madigan's organizations and has voted for him for Speaker every term that he has been elected.”
She said while “brave women such as Denise Rotheimer and Alaina Hampton,” have raised their voices in opposition of harassment, “how many more victims have we not heard from because they feel as if they have no voice or are powerless against the Springfield machine?”
“We've already called upon the inspector general to release the names of the accused in pending cases, while also maintaining the anonymity of those who submitted their reports. With the impending election, citizens deserve a right to know exactly who they are voting for,” Smolenski said.
The House hopeful said the culture in Springfield can only be changed by voting for new leadership and truly principled public servants who will ensure transparency.
“At this point, Madigan is simply trying to do damage control for his image,” Smolenski said.
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