By Dave Dahl
SPRINGFIELD – Now that a House Democrat is challenging Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) for the speaker’s chair, House Republicans say there is a good question on which you can pin down Democratic candidates:
Whom will you support, Madigan or State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego)?
“They can back Mike Madigan, aka Public Official A,” in the Commonwealth Edison bribery case – in which Madigan is implicated but not charged – “or they can commit to State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit for speaker,” said State Rep. Grant Wehrli (R-Naperville).
“We have all seen the countless mailers Democratic candidates have sent: tens of dozens of mailers to each and every one of us, claiming they are anti-corruption and will clean up Springfield.”
The problem is, say House Republicans, is that many of those Democrats are also taking campaign cash from funds Madigan controls.
“I have no problem if someone wants to go out there and take Madigan’s money and say, I stand behind Speaker Madigan.” said State Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst). “Be honest about it. Be transparent about it. That’s the antithesis of what they’re doing. They are being underhanded about it, they are lying about who they are, and that is why we get such bad politics and bad governance in the state of Illinois.”
Republicans love the threat to the long-time speaker, because Madigan and his reputation for control are getting a poor reputation around the state.
Representatives vote for speaker the first day of the new General Assembly, the second Wednesday in January.
Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]
