Carbondale Reporter

As the Illinois house ended the House Special Investigating Committee (HSIC) proceedings for the investigations surrounding Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago); Republicans have spoken out in protest. 

The HSIC had been looking into possible conduct unbecoming for a legislator committed by Madigan. The investigation relates to Madigan’s possible role in a bribery scheme connected to Commonwealth Edison (ComEd). However, three meetings and testimony from a single witness, the committee ended their proceedings, to the disapproval of Republican representatives. 

In a recent statement, Rep. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) attributed her disappointment to HSIC Chair Emanuel Welch’s handling of the proceedings. 

Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) | File Photo

“Chairman Welch’s leadership of this investigation will forever be remembered for its lack of seriousness, lack of due diligence, and lack of legitimate effort to get to the bottom of the serious charges contained in the deferred prosecution agreement," Bryant said. 

Bryant was joined by Rep. Patrick Windhorst in her condemnation of the proceedings.

“The political protection racket for Mike Madigan continues despite indictments, guilty pleas, and a swirling investigation. What we saw in the House Special Investigating Committee was politics as usual at its worst in Illinois," Windhorst said.

Third to join Bryant and Windhorst is Dave Severin, who also alleged that the committee “worked hard to protect him this time, stonewalling and completely shutting down the investigation into his potential wrongdoing.” 

Though it does not appear Madigan will face legal action from the HSIC, the investigation’s effects may already have consequences when the House reconvenes in the new year. 

“I will be back for the 102nd General Assembly. My first vote will be a big NO on Mike Madigan for Speaker. His reign will come to an end sooner or later.” Severin said. “There are more than enough Democrats that have indicated that Madigan will not be re-elected as Speaker. Why Democrat members of the House Special Investigating Committee felt the need to protect Mike Madigan and work to keep him in power is beyond my ability to comprehend.”