By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – AT&T is the latest company caught up in a corruption scandal involving former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan. 

AT&T cut a deal with the feds over allegations it bribed a lawmaker – then-State Rep. Edward Acevedo, who is now in federal prison – for legislation to go its way, and federal prosecutors have now filed a superseding indictment against Madigan. Former AT&T president Paul La Schiazza has also been indicted.

In a news conference Friday afternoon, House Republicans said the U.S. attorney’s office does not play political theatre. And House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) says even though Madigan’s been gone from Springfield for almost two years, you can’t forget him.

The scandal now involving two major utilities, Durkin said, is “affecting consumers and Illinois citizens. Mike Madigan owns the (Democratic Party of Illinois). He and his team need to be held accountable.”

AT&T is paying $23 million in its deal Commonwealth Edison earlier reached a similar “deferred prosecution” agreement and had to pay $200 million. If those companies keep their noses clean for two years, their trouble goes away. 

Not Madigan’s.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].