House Speaker vote could make history

Posted on January 7, 2021
Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan. (Dave Dahl/WJBC)

 

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – If House Speaker Mike Madigan’s (D-Chicago) days are numbered atop the chamber, supermajority Democrats could make history by electing a woman.

Reps. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego), Ann Williams (D-Chicago), and Kathleen Willis (D-Addison) were to join Madigan before the House Democratic Women’s Caucus Wednesday afternoon. Kifowit was the first challenger to announce, Williams the latest, and Willis the only member of Madigan’s leadership team.

As the bribery investigation involving Commonwealth Edison and implicating Speaker Madigan deepened, more Democrats have jumped ship on him, enough that he would not have enough votes were the election be held today. It’s actually next week, after inauguration Wednesday.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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