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* Press release…
This morning, the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of Illinois announced that after a years long federal investigation into a widespread bribery scheme, ComEd has agreed to pay $200 million to resolve the case. In their release, the U.S. The Attorney’s Office stated that “ComEd Admits Arranging Jobs and Contracts for Political Allies of High-Level State of Illinois Official.”
That high-level State of Illinois Official is none other than Speaker Mike Madigan.
Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider released the following statement in response to today’s news along with the ongoing federal investigation into Governor JB Pritzker:
“The people of Illinois now live in a state where both the Speaker of the House and the Governor are under criminal investigation. Even for a state with a history of corruption, this is unprecedented. Crimes of bribery and tax fraud cannot be tolerated from our elected officials. As we learn more about the bribery investigation into Speaker Madigan and the property tax fraud investigation into Governor Pritzker, our hearts go out to the people of Illinois who are once again left yearning for elected leaders who work for them, not for themselves. The Democratic culture of corruption in Illinois must come to an end.”
*** UPDATE 1 *** From the GOP delegation…
Congressmen Rodney Davis (IL-13), Darin LaHood (IL-18), John Shimkus (IL-15), Adam Kinzinger (IL-16), and Mike Bost (IL-12) released the following statement regarding the unprecedented developments in ongoing federal criminal investigations of Speaker Michael Madigan and Governor J.B. Pritzker:
“Illinoisans are sadly no strangers to corruption in our state’s politics, but simultaneous federal criminal investigations into both the Speaker of the House and the Governor are truly unprecedented. Today’s developments in the ongoing bribery investigation against Speaker Madigan and the property tax fraud investigation against Governor Pritzker are disturbing. We fully support U.S. Attorney John Lausch and other federal officials in their important work to bring those who violate the public’s trust to justice. The people of Illinois deserve better than Illinois Democrats’ embarrassing, systemic corruption.”
…Adding… Press release…
Illinois Rising Action executive director Kayleen Carlson released the following statement in response to the ongoing federal investigations of Governor JB Pritzker and Speaker Mike Madigan:
“For too long, corruption has been the calling card for government and politics in Illinois. Today it’s more of the same with the news that Speaker Mike Madigan is under federal investigation for bribery and Governor JB Pritzker is under investigation for property tax fraud. The people of Illinois have once again been betrayed by elected leaders at the top of the Illinois Democratic Party. These investigations should serve as yet another reminder that corruption is still running rampant and that Illinois Democrats are only interested in serving themselves, and not the people they were elected to represent.”
…Adding… Another one from the ILGOP…
Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider has released a statement following the separate press conferences of Governor Pritzker and U.S. Attorney Lausch:
“Based on the evidence presented today by the United States Attorney’s Office, and in the context of months of revelations about the federal investigation into Speaker Michael Madigan and his closest associates, we believe it’s time for Speaker Madigan to do the right thing for Illinois and resign his office.
Governor Pritzker’s refusal to make such a clear statement may have to do with his own federal investigation into property tax fraud. Perhaps he is concerned that calling on Speaker Madigan to resign will lead to calls for his own resignation. We cannot discern when Governor Pritzker thinks Speaker Madigan should resign: next week, only when he’s indicted or only after he’s been convicted. Nor can we discern whether Governor Pritzker will commit to resigning should the allegations against him bear truth.
The people of Illinois cannot afford this scandal to drag on for months and years. Speaker Madigan should spare the citizens of Illinois by resigning immediately. Should the federal probe of Governor Pritzker’s property tax fraud continue to escalate, we would expect him to do the same.”
Rep. Batinick…
With Federal Prosecutors filing federal bribery charges against Commonwealth Edison Company (“ComEd”) and implicating Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan, State Representative Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) is renewing his call for Madigan to resign and demanding lawmakers return to Springfield to pass comprehensive ethics reform.
Today’s charges come after a yearlong corruption investigation into state and local governments. ComEd has agreed to resolve the investigation through a deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s office, which include paying a $200 million fine. Through that agreement ComEd, the largest electric utility company in Illinois, has admitted it arranged jobs, subcontracts and pay-offs for political associates of Mike Madigan.
“I was the first elected official to call for the Speaker to resign and that sentiment rings even truer today,” said Rep. Batinick. “If we are going to truly root out corruption in our system, it starts from the top down. Elected officials need to be held the most accountable and with today’s charges, it is clear that the time has come for the Speaker to answer to the people of Illinois.”
In 2016, Rep. Batinick worked tirelessly against a ComEd bailout bill, SB2814, which required a statewide rate hike to prevent the closure of two nuclear power plants in Illinois. The rate increase provided for in SB2814 was expected to generate more than $200 million a year over the next ten years, but was the key factor in the federal probe against ComEd. For Batinick, this bailout was nothing more than a politically-connected coalition of Energy Industry players rushing through a complicated bill to force electric rate increases throughout Illinois. In 2019, he filed legislation, HB3987, to eliminate the bailout, which was never called by the Speaker for consideration.
The Representative is calling for lawmakers to return to Springfield to work on a comprehensive ethics reform package. “As lawmakers, we need to get back to Springfield and adopt stronger ethics laws. While the sense of urgency to make this change has been lost on the majority party for far too long, today’s federal charges reinforce what the Republican caucus has been supporting for years: we need change in Illinois and it must come soon.”
An ethics reform package filed by the House Republicans last year was never given consideration in the House of Representatives. A list of that legislation is here
.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Leader Durkin…
Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) released the following statement on the new information released from the ongoing federal corruption investigations:
“Earlier this week, I pushed to reform our broken political system in Illinois and once again, Speaker Madigan dismissed the need for ethics reform in Illinois. Today, we see why.
The announcement against ComEd and “Public Official A” and the ongoing investigation of Cook County Property tax corruption are another sad commentary on the state of our state. The deep federal investigations into the highest members of the Democratic Party and their abuse of the Cook County property tax system is finally coming to light.
For too long, one man, Speaker Madigan, has held so much power, and the old axiom holds true: power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
The chance for ethics reform this session has been blocked. Any hope for real property tax reform has been stalled. The system has been rigged to benefit those in power, and to keep the Democratic Party in control while the citizens of Cook County and Illinois suffer.
Today, I hope, is a day of awakening for citizens of Illinois. We sit here in a bankrupt state, burdened by the actions, or in many cases inaction, of the Democratic Party of Illinois that through Speaker Madigan has held the reins of power for decades.
The allegations presented today are troubling and downright depressing. Speaker Madigan needs to “speak” up on this issue, and if the allegations are true, he needs to resign immediately. Just as important, I hope that members of the General Assembly in the majority party, the Democratic Party, have the courage to finally stand up and demand an explanation of their leader that they have for decades elected to rule.
The citizens of Illinois deserve so much better.”
*** UPDATE 3 *** Leader Brady…
The following is a statement by Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady.
“At the same time Illinois Democrats are pushing for a massive tax increase, residents are again confronted with Democratic corruption at the highest levels of their state government. If the allegations reported today against Speaker Madigan turn out to be true, then he should resign.”
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jul 17, 20 @ 10:10 am
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About Pritzker: really? The way the article reads its Berrios and his employees being investigated. Did I miss something specific here?
Comment by Fixer Friday, Jul 17, 20 @ 10:20 am
The governor is under criminal investigation? That’s a stretch. Leave it to the ILGOP to overreach when there’s an easy play to make.
Comment by Socially DIstant Watcher Friday, Jul 17, 20 @ 10:20 am
“The governor is under criminal investigation?”
Yes.
https://www.wbez.org/stories/source-feds-probe-illinois-gov-jb-pritzker-first-lady-for-property-tax-appeals-on-gold-coast-mansion/afb5e34e-e7f5-4113-a110-ac8ec98bca63
chicagobusiness.com/government/feds-investigating-pritzker-over-property-tax-break-report
Comment by 1st Ward Friday, Jul 17, 20 @ 10:25 am
“the people of Illinois who are once again left yearning for elected leaders who work for them, not for themselves.”
Good luck finding someone for 2022 that follows that ethos…
Comment by NIU Grad Friday, Jul 17, 20 @ 10:27 am
So does this mean if Madigan is charged, convicted and sentenced, the GOP will seek clemency for him given his age and this will be his first offense right?
Comment by MG85 Friday, Jul 17, 20 @ 10:28 am
===Yes===
One story in one outlet with one source. I’m not yet buying into an “investigation” yet, but they do appear to be quite interested.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jul 17, 20 @ 10:28 am
It’s really a B+ release… little too pointed…
I woulda left out…
===tax fraud===
… and kept it vague, as Trump possibly is facing tax fraud charges in New York State and seeing Trump’s tax returns are a “thing”
Otherwise, pretty thoughtful, maybe too pointed, but muted enough to let it simmer.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jul 17, 20 @ 10:30 am
“our hearts go out to”
I’m glad they’re still all “thoughts and prayers”
Comment by Tin pan Friday, Jul 17, 20 @ 10:33 am
Most on this site will promote the progressive tax increase on the ballot this fall. A tax brought to you by a person that him and his family have used tax laws written for their own purpose to avoid paying taxes on their income and wealth by having their money in off shore accounts for decades. If he had not run for Governor no one would have known about his unlawful reduction in property taxes that he tried to get away with. They promise corruption reform and put it on the table (which does absolutely no good sitting on a table) while they are being investigated for their own corruption. Much like passing sexual harassment laws and being some of the worst offenders of that law.
Comment by Arock Friday, Jul 17, 20 @ 10:35 am
Wait, are these the same pure-as-the-driven-snow Republicans enjoying the free drinks at the ComEd receptions who all voted for that taxpayer gift to ComEd that Gov. Quinn vetoed that they then all voted to override the veto?
Comment by Strategy Geek Friday, Jul 17, 20 @ 10:45 am
===Wait, are these the same===
Most of those folks are out of the GA by now.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Jul 17, 20 @ 10:46 am
Corruption Uncovered Again, so we wrote a stern press release!
:)
I think it’s a great ILGOP campaign ad.
Comment by Dub Friday, Jul 17, 20 @ 10:59 am
No doubt this scandal opens opportunity for Illinois Republicans, but I’m pretty sure they’ll blow it.
Comment by Quizzical Friday, Jul 17, 20 @ 11:00 am
Lets see that Repulican Bench. Ives, Bailey, McSweeney, Proft, Pekau, Peraica, Brady, Durkin. Get my point, Dems have ZERO to worry about ZERO. JMO
Comment by Hard D Friday, Jul 17, 20 @ 11:16 am
Wonder where the idea of no show jobs came from , tho let’s move on , it’s just another Friday in our great state
Comment by Curious George Friday, Jul 17, 20 @ 11:19 am
the press release neglected to mention that the husband (also an elected official) of the Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court is also facing criminal charges. That’s disappointing.
Comment by Bolo Tie Friday, Jul 17, 20 @ 11:22 am
“… this is unprecedented.”
Coming from the party of Bill Cellini, George Ryan, and Jim Thompson’s patronage juggernaut, that’s rich.
Comment by Anyone Remember Friday, Jul 17, 20 @ 11:28 am
“No doubt this scandal opens opportunity for Illinois Republicans, but I’m pretty sure they’ll blow it.”
nothing to worry about — the districts are gerrymandered and Cook County Dems elect the statewide candidates.
but who’s maneuvering to become the next speaker?
Comment by jim Friday, Jul 17, 20 @ 11:30 am
=== elect the statewide candidates.===
Name the last SoS, Treasurer, and Comptroller GOP nominees in 2018, no googling..,
…
That’s what I thought.
Stop playing victim. The Raunerites run/ran horrible candidates, not the map, “Cook County”….
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jul 17, 20 @ 11:32 am
I will continue to remain thoroughly skeptical of the notion that partisan gerrymandering is a huge issue here. Dems win big statewide and also have roughly commensurate super majorities. Perhaps they’re just winning elections? Were the seats picked up in northwest cook and dupage (GOP strongholds) gerrymandered for democrats?
Republicans probably could win more elections around here given all the corruption. But, to do so they may have to adopt remotely popular policies. Look inward. Whatever they’ve been doing recently hasn’t worked.
Comment by JJJJJJJJJJ Friday, Jul 17, 20 @ 11:43 am
=== Most on this site will promote the progressive tax increase on the ballot this fall.===
For the love of Pete, it polls over 60+% already.
Are you victim everywhere too?
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jul 17, 20 @ 12:13 pm
===ComEd has agreed to pay $200 million to resolve the case===
Where does ComEd get their money from again?
This isn’t justice, this is a buy out that avoids sending the right people to prison. Some folks at ComEd should be prosecuted and going to jail and now they’re getting a slap on the wrist and the GOP is pretending it’s justice.
Wonder who ComEd’s been lobbying lately.
Comment by Candy Dogood Friday, Jul 17, 20 @ 12:20 pm
How did these guys vote when it came to impeachment?
Yeah, they own the moral high ground here.
Comment by JS Mill Friday, Jul 17, 20 @ 12:30 pm
=No doubt this scandal opens opportunity for Illinois Republicans, but I’m pretty sure they’ll blow it.=
Bill Brady disagrees.
Comment by Pundent Friday, Jul 17, 20 @ 12:32 pm
“ Wait, are these the same pure-as-the-driven-snow Republicans enjoying the free drinks at the ComEd receptions”
Spot on. My reaction exactly. Not only that, but the GOP patronage machine back in the day, when those GOPers were coming up through the ranks, was 2nd to none.
Comment by low level Friday, Jul 17, 20 @ 12:35 pm
I’d vote for a capable, moderate Republican statewide or county candidate against many Democrats. But we haven’t seen many good GOP candidates in a long time.
Comment by Keyrock Friday, Jul 17, 20 @ 3:41 pm
=== turn out to be true===
It’s muted both Leader Durkin and Leader Brady have their own benchmark as “turn out to be true”… not indictment?
Why?
It’s the politics to it… why have him resign too soon, we need him to fight.
Of course, “The Arroyo Rule” would be indictment.
Why not go there?
The ILGOP and their response?
B-…
Still no reason to think they offer an alternative with Raunerites like Tim Schneider running the shop.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Jul 17, 20 @ 3:52 pm
I cannot speak to the Madigan issue. However, given that the Governor’s tax breaks have been reviewed before and not found to be criminal in scope, I would hold judgement in calling the new Federal investigation a “criminal” investigation. It sounds like it could equally be a tax audit, leading to having to pay back taxes since he adjusted his local taxes.
Comment by H-W Friday, Jul 17, 20 @ 3:58 pm
Rodney Davis’ top contributor 2019-2020: Exelon Corporation. I am not implying that anything illegal has happened.
https://www.opensecrets.org/members-of-congress/summary?cid=N00034784
Comment by Radio Frequency Tuesday, Jul 21, 20 @ 12:50 am