North Cook News

NewTrier GOP voiced its hope that more corrupt officials should be rounded up as former House Speaker Michael Madigan pleaded not guilty to 22 counts of corruption.

"Democrat Mike Madigan is finally facing some accountability standard for his career in corruption and graft," New Trier GOP posted on Facebook. "Every Democrat in Illinois, from the School and Park Board level to the Governor took orders from Mike Madigan. It is time to clean house."   

Madigan has denied the allegations.

“I was never involved in any criminal activity," Madigan said in a statement. "The government is attempting to criminalize a routine constituent service: job recommendations. That is not illegal, and these other charges are equally unfounded. Throughout my 50 years as a public servant, I worked to address the needs of my constituents, always keeping in mind the high standards required and the trust the public placed in me."

Madigan is facing a 22-count federal indictment on bribery and racketeering charges.

Madigan, who spent 36 years as House Speaker, the longest in the country’s history, is accused of using the office for personal gain. "I adamantly deny these accusations and look back proudly on my time as an elected official, serving the people of Illinois," Madigan said.

House Speaker Chris Welch’s (D-Westchester) office sent out and then retracted a memo containing talking points in favor of Madigan after his indictment. One talking point said that Madigan has faced from the start “unfair, partisan accusations; charges which appear to have influenced the indictments” laid out on March 2.

Welch was a close confidant of Madigan’s before becoming his successor. According to WBEZ, he was accused of protecting Madigan in 2020 after closing a probe into the ComEd bribery scandal. Welch was the chairman of the special committee investigating Madigan’s behavior. 

"You’re going through excruciating lengths to protect Michael J. Madigan from ever having to testify to his nefarious behavior," Rep. Grant Wehrli (R-Naperville) said at the time, according to WGN9.