Former President Michael Madigan resigns the state seat in the House – with the power to choose his successor

Mike Madigan said on Thursday that he will give up the Illinois House seat he held for half a century – but, unlike when he lost the most coveted speaker post a month ago, this time the Southwest Side Democrat is in a position to choose his successor.

In a long statement, Madigan said it was an honor “to serve the people of Illinois as mayor and state representative for the 22^WL District, “and pointed to the” cruel attacks “of people who” sought to diminish my many accomplishments by raising the Illinois working class. “

“Fifty years ago, I decided to dedicate my life to public service,” said Madigan. “Simply put, I knew I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. I believed then and still believe that it is our duty as civil servants to improve the lives of the most vulnerable and to help people who work hard to build a good life. “

Although Madigan initially said that his resignation would take effect later this month, a spokesman confirmed that it would take effect immediately. Asked about the reason for the date change, the spokesman said “I don’t know”.

The political blog Capitol Fax first reported the change in schedule.

A spokeswoman said Madigan would remain president of the state’s Democratic Party.

Madigan’s loss of speaker last month sparked a dispute between Democrats struggling to align support to take on the powerful leadership post.

His resignation from the much lower-profile chair of the House – one of 118 in the House – will start a nomination process that could lead Madigan to personally choose his successor.

As a member of the 13th district committee in the Cook County Democratic Party, Madigan has 56% of the weighted votes that will decide who will replace him in the House, meaning that he can have an exclusive voice over who takes over the now heavily Hispanic district.

The weighted vote is based on the number of votes cast for the state seat in the House in each district or district of the committee person in the last general election. Madigan called a meeting to choose his successor for 10 am Sunday morning at the 13th Ward service office at 6500 S. Pulaski.

Of the remaining four committee members, Ald. Silvana Tabares (23rd) – a close ally of Madigan – has the second largest share of weighted votes. It has 31%.

Seth Perlman / AP file

A spokeswoman for Tabares said the councilor contacted all committee members involved to “articulate the need for an open and transparent process” when making the nomination.

Refusing Madigan’s outspoken role in the nomination, US deputy Marie Newman asked residents to be “heard loud and clear when choosing Michael Madigan’s successor”.

“We cannot allow history to repeat itself,” said Democrat LaGrange, who expelled Madigan’s ally Dan Lipinski from Congress last year. “Allowing this individual to handpick his own successor not only harms our residents and effectively excludes them from the process, but also discredits any sense of transparency and inclusion that our government seeks.”

In his departure statement, Madigan, 78, said he was “particularly proud” of the work of the Democratic caucus to increase the diversity of voices in the house to “include more women, people of color and members of the LGBTQ community”.

“In my tenure as a spokesperson for the Illinois House, we worked to elect representatives from all backgrounds and beliefs to truly represent the interests of the people of our state,” the statement continues. “I leave the job alone with my decision and proud of the many contributions I have made to the state of Illinois, and I do so knowing that I have made a difference.”

Madigan’s reign as the oldest state chamber leader in U.S. history ended last month after he was unable to secure enough votes to continue as mayor. State Representative Emanuel “Chris” Welch, a Hillside Democrat considered loyal to Madigan, has risen to leadership.

In a statement, Welch thanked Madigan for her “sincere and significant contributions to our state”.

“Under him, we had strong and sustained Democratic leadership in Springfield,” said Welch, highlighting some legislative achievements, such as legalizing same-sex marriage and abolishing the death penalty.

“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,” said Welch.

Governor JB Pritzker said Madigan and his family “devoted countless hours to serving Illinois families, especially during the Rauner years, when he served as a bulwark against constant cruelty to the most vulnerable.”

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“Over his decades in office, he has followed some of the most important changes in our state,” continues Pritzker’s statement. “The people of Illinois have much to be thankful for their dedicated public service and the many sacrifices he and his family have made to make a difference in our lives. I know how much he loves his wife Shirley, their children and grandchildren, and I hope that in this next chapter, his family can begin to make up for lost time. “

Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton said Madigan worked “tirelessly” on behalf of Illinois residents and “leaves a legacy of service and sacrifice that should be admired and deserved our gratitude.”

Seth Perlman / AP file

Bob Reiter, the head of the Chicago Labor Federation aligned with Madigan – who has an equity stake in the Chicago Sun-Times – called the former speaker a “courageous advocate for workers and their families in Illinois for a generation”.

Republicans took a different view on Madigan’s announcement.

Former governor Bruce Rauner – a chief enemy of the Madigans during the Republican’s term as governor – told NBC5 that the ex-lecturer’s resignation was “one of the [the] the best birthday gifts I’ve ever won. ”Thursday marked Rauner’s 65th birthday.

Republican House leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs called the news “no surprise” and said “he has been looking forward to this ‘new day’ in Illinois for some time.”

“Rep. Madigan’s autocratic government over the decades has not made Illinois a more prosperous or competitive state, ”continued Durkin. “Our state is in ruins – financially, structurally and ethically. New ideas and sincere collaboration between the parties is the only way forward ”.

Republican deputy leader Tom Demmer de Dixon called Madigan’s resignation a “predictable sequence for monumental change” in the leadership last month.

He said Madigan’s resignation attempted to “pick out a few examples of things he was proud to be a part of,” but the deputy leader said the “significant problems” that arose during Madigan’s term should not be ignored.

M. Spencer Green / AP file

Demmer pointed to a “series of investigations of potentially illegal or unethical behavior, a real consolidation of much power behind a person and, indeed, a legacy that prioritized political power over the good of the state of Illinois.”

The fall of the former leadership speaker came after federal prosecutors accused ComEd leaders of bribing Madigan associates in exchange for his organization’s help in passing favorable legislation.

These charges, which were presented in a prosecution agreement postponed in July, prompted some lawmakers, and Pritzker, to ask Madigan to step down if the allegations were true.

Nineteen House Democrats, some pointing to ComEd’s allegations, said they would not vote for Madigan to remain President of the House, effectively denying Madigan the votes needed to remain in power.

Madigan was not charged with any crime and denies wrongdoing, but his confidant Michael McClain and three other members of his inner circle were indicted in November for an alleged bribery scheme designed to win favors from the then powerful legislative leader.