Carroll Won't Back Madigan As Illinois House Speaker

NORTHBROOK, IL — Michael Madigan's path to retaining leadership of the state's Democratic Party looks more difficult as local politicians have joined Gov. J.B. Pritzker in denouncing his quest for another term as Illinois House Speaker. Madigan, who is the longest-servin leader of any state or federal legislative body in the U.S. history, needs 60 out of 73 House Democrats to back his candidacy when the 102nd Illinois General Assembly convenes in January.

Last month, State Rep. Jonathan Carroll (D-Northbrook), who represents the 57th District, announced he will not vote for Madigan. The 57th district, located in the Chicago metropolitan area, includes all or parts of Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Des Plaines, Glenview, Mount Prospect, Northbrook, Palatine, Prospect Heights and Wheeling.

As of Thursday, it appears Madigan is at least six votes shy of what he will need for another term.

"Despite what you read and hear about Madigan, we’ve always maintained a good relationship," Carroll said in a recent email message to constituents. "He’s never pressured me to vote on legislation and is understanding when we disagree."

Madigan, who has held the position of Illinois House Speaker all of but two years since 1983, is embroiled in a scandal involving four former ComEd executives. The executives were indicted last month on allegations they orchestrated a bribery scheme to curry favor with Madigan. All four were charged with conspiracy, bribery and willfully falsifying ComEd books and records in exchange for the speaker's help with state legislation.

"Madigan continues to plead his innocence despite this evidence. While this might be the legal standard, this isn’t my standard," Carroll said. "Let’s presume the Speaker isn’t guilty as he suggests. The fact that we have to even have this conversation is enough doubt on his ability to be Speaker going forward. It angers me that this happened on his watch and I don’t trust him anymore."

Related:
Pritzker Attack On Madigan Is About Re-Election Bid, Not Reform
Former ComEd Execs, Consultants Charged In Bribery Scheme
More Illinois Democrats Take Aim At Madigan
Protesters Gather Outside Michael Madigan's Home, Call For His Resignation