By Dave Dahl
SPRINGFIELD – Reaction at the Capitol was swift Wednesday, following news of another indictment of somebody in former House Speaker Mike Madigan’s inner circle in the Commonwealth Edison investigation. This time, it’s Madigan’s longtime chief of staff, Tim Mapes, who is accused to lying to a federal grand jury.
The indictment states Mapes, testifying under immunity, nevertheless lied when questioned about Madigan delegating duties to another confidant, lobbyist Mike McClain.
“This is more than just a few bad apples. This is a culture that has been created here,” said State Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon), speaking on the House floor just after news of the indictment broke. “A culture that we share responsibility for maintaining.”
In a written statement, House Minority Leader Jim Durkin said:
“Today’s indictment of former chief of staff Tim Mapes underscores the criminal enterprise operated under the dome by former Speaker Michael Madigan, also known as Public Official A.”
What does this mean for Madigan?
“This is clearly a pretty far-reaching investigation,” said State Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago), who helped instigate #MeToo allegations which eventually cost Mapes his job. “They’re gonna get where they’re gonna get, and the sooner they do, the sooner we get to put it in our rear view mirror.”
Commonwealth Edison is accused of providing favors for Madigan and others in exchange for legislation favorable to the utility. Madigan remains unindicted.
Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].
