Former Illinois mayor Michael Madigan (D) is stepping down from the state legislature later this month amid a bribery investigation.
“Today I am announcing that I will resign as 22nd district state representative later this month,” Madigan said in a statement published by WGN Radio in Chicago. “It was a great honor to serve the people of Illinois as mayor and state representative for the 22nd district.”
Madigan faced scrutiny during a federal investigation into a bribery scheme in which the Commonwealth Edison allegedly tried to win Madigan’s favor.
Four people linked to the scheme, including a close confidant to Madigan, have pleaded not guilty in federal court. However, Madigan was not charged with a crime and denied any wrongdoing or knowledge of the scheme.
His office previously faced scrutiny amid an “Me too” investigation involving one of your main advisors.
“It is no secret that I have been the target of cruel attacks by people who sought to diminish my many achievements by raising up Illinois workers,” added Madigan in his statement. “The fact is that my motivation to occupy elective positions has never wavered. I have been resolute in my dedication to public service and integrity, always acting in the interests of the people of Illinois. “
Madigan has been mayor for 35 of the past 37 years, and only gave up the hammer for a two-year period in the mid-1990s, when Republicans controlled the chamber.
He started serving in the state legislature in 1971, and he currently chairs the Illinois Democratic Party.
Welch acknowledged Madigan’s resignation in a statement posted on Facebook.
“Last month, Michael Madigan dedicated 50 years of service to the Illinois House of Representatives. I thank the ex-president for his sincere and significant contributions to our state, ”said Welch.
“Now we must build on that with a new generation of leadership focused on racial and gender equality in all dimensions, improving government transparency and leading with the kind of conviction, compassion and cooperation expected by our constituents. I really appreciate your contributions and I join Illinois residents across the state to wish you luck, ”he said.
Illinois Republican Party President Don Tracy criticized Madigan’s resignation in an e-mailed statement, saying his legacy “is to preside over the decline of a once-great state, increasing pension obligations by hundreds of billions of dollars and the accumulation of historical political power that mainly benefited members of the government and special interests. “
“President Madigan may no longer be a state representative, but he is still president of the Illinois Democratic Party, where he personally controls more than $ 15 million in campaign money,” he said.