North Cook News

Marilyn Smolenski finds Rep. Marty Moylan’s (D-Des Plaines) alliance with longtime House Speaker Mike Madigan to be an unholy one for the people of the 55th District.  

“Your property taxes keep going and the politicians fail to do anything to help us,” Smolenski, who is running against Moylan in November’s general election, told the North Cook News. “Now we know why. Marty Moylan isn't looking out for us. This new report shows he took $981,242 from Speaker Madigan. Moylan doesn't care about us. He's failed us; now it is time to replace him.”

A new Illinois Policy Institute (IPI) report identifies Moylan as one of approximately 60 legislators to which Madigan has contributed more than $15 million. Each of the lawmakers involved also share the common thread of having fully supported the longtime House Speaker’s ongoing efforts to hold on to his power.

Rep. Marty Moylan (D-Des Plaines)

Smolenski, on the other hand, has made her resistance to Madigan and a vow to end his reign as part of her campaign platform.

“I pledge not to vote for Madigan as Speaker if I'm elected,” she said. “Moylan falls into line and that’s why Madigan and the Dem party are pouring this type of funding into his race.”

Madigan also serves as chairman of various campaign committees, which gives him access to even more cash and resources often used as bargaining chips, according to IPI.

Only Reps. Carol Sente (D-Vernon Hills), Sam Yingling (D-Grayslake) and Deb Conroy (D-Villa Park), have received more than Moylan has from Madigan, each taking in more than $1 million, IPI states.

“My opponent will continue to vote for Madigan if re-elected,” she said.

The 55th District includes parts of Chicago, Des Plaines, Park Ridge and Rolling Meadows.