…Adding… Click here for a live video feed of today’s press conference.

*** UPDATE *** From Emily Bittner at the governor’s office…

The Governor does not recall Michael Madigan ever asking him to consider Danny Solis for any position. In addition, the administration has no record of Solis being recommended by Madigan. In addition, he was never vetted, appointed or hired for any role in the administration.

* US Attorney Lausch was asked about the Pritzker administration job…

There is no allegation in this indictment against the governor or his staff. … There’s no allegation in the indictment that the state board position was actually given.

[ *** End Of Update *** ]

* From a media event earlier this afternoon just as news was beginning to break that former House Speaker Michael Madigan had been indicted…

Q: The ABC seven team has confirmed that it is Mike Madigan who is going to be indicted by the feds. Can we get your reaction?

Gov. Pritzker: Well, first of all, I’ve been saying for years now that we’ve got to root out corruption wherever it exists in government. It’s why we’ve passed and I’ve signed ethics reforms in the state of Illinois. But anybody who is guilty of corruption or corrupt acts in this state should be held to the fullest extent of the law accountable for their actions.

Mayor Lightfoot: And I would just say, let’s not get ahead of the facts. I’m, as you know, I’m a former federal prosecutor. I want to see what the US Attorney’s Office has to say and what the specifics are, and then we’ll have a more formal comment at that time. I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to get into the substance, based upon press speculation about something that we don’t know. And we haven’t gotten confirmation from from the US attorney, and we’ll see what happens at 430. And then we’ll respond.

Q: Governor, could you further comment? You have been somebody who described your relationship, I guess, is what I’m asking with Madigan at this point in time, how it has been, he is no longer the speaker, of course, but he was such a mainstay, you sort of seemed to keep a distance from him, but not completely. How did you navigate that? And what do you think that this says about the nature of Illinois politics?

Pritzker: Well, when you become governor, and there is a Speaker of the House, and there is a Senate President, you need to work with the leaders in the General Assembly. So let’s start with that. I think, again, I have heard accusations over time, as you know, and as you just acknowledged, I have kept my distance. And very importantly, I really have believed and you’ve heard me say it over and over again, to push legislation, that we have got to root out these people in public office if they have committed acts of corruption. And so that’s what I’ve been pushing. You heard me say in the State of the State Address not very long ago, I’ve signed legislation very recently on it. And you know, as the mayor just said, I don’t know the facts, what we’re gonna hear at the press conference later today. But if it is as you describe, you know, again, whoever it is, in whatever level of office in the state of Illinois, if you’re committing acts of corruption, you’ve got to go.

Q: Governor. Speaker Madigan, obviously was in office to help pass some of the landmark legislation that you got through and your first year in office. Does does this indictment taint any of that legislation in your mind?

Pritzker: The legislation that I’ve gotten passed over the course of the last three years, for the most part has gotten overwhelming support, sometimes bipartisan, overwhelming support. So look, I attribute that to running a campaign that’s about issues, convincing people who live in the districts of the people who voted for it, that they ought to vote for it, and making sure that you’ve got a steady course toward changing and uplifting the state of Illinois and putting working families in charge.

Please pardon all transcription errors.

* Leader Durkin…

House Republican Leader Jim Durkin offered the following statement after news broke that former House Speaker Michael Madigan has been indicted:

“Illinois deserves better. This is another chapter in the sad story of corruption that has pervaded every corner of the state that was touched by Mike Madigan and his Democrat enablers and has dismantled true democracy in Illinois. Today, the same Democrats who empowered Madigan are still blocking real ethics reform just like they blocked the Special Investigating Committee that was created to get to the bottom of Madigan’s corrupt activities.”

* Jesse Sullivan…

“The announcement of this indictment of former Democrat House Speaker Michael Madigan has been a long time coming. Madigan is the very face of Illinois corruption. He leveraged his position as House speaker to gain new business for his property tax firm. And he orchestrated a pay to play scheme with ComEd, diverting thousands of dollars to his favorite lobbyists to gain his support for legislation in Springfield.

At a time when Gov. J.B. Pritzker is using taxpayer money to remove a patronage watchdog over his administration, we are reminded once again that career politicians and political insiders cannot be trusted to have the best interests of Illinoisans at heart. Now more than ever, we need to elect a political outsider to clean up the Springfield swamp, and to return power to the people of our great state.”

Obviously, this post will be updated.

…Adding… Richard Irvin…

“Speaker Madigan’s destructive 40-year reign over Illinois government is now reaching its next logical point – the inside of a federal courtroom.

“For decades, the Speaker has run roughshod over the people of Illinois for his own personal gain and even as the feds began circling, Governor J.B. Pritzker stood by enabling Madigan with millions in campaign contributions and even telling voters ‘the people of Illinois should be grateful for having Mike Madigan as Speaker of the House.”

“It’s time we put a stop to the Pritzker-Madigan corruption that has been plaguing this state for decades, and the only way we can do that is to change our government from within and get rid of the politicians like J.B. Pritzker who continues enabling the Mike Madigans of the world.”

* Shannon Teresi…

Mike Madigan has been indicted, and yet his cronies like Susana Mendoza still fill the ranks of Illinois politics. While Madigan has not been in office since his corruption was brought into the public eye, career politician Susana Mendoza, who has referred to Madigan as her “mentor” and even nominated him for Speaker, has many questions she needs to answer now.

Comptroller candidate Shannon Teresi released the following statement following the announcement of Madigan’s indictment:

“Mike Madigan may no longer be in office, but his iron grip and influence can still be seen in the abuse of taxpayer dollars that his proteges like Susana Mendoza continue to promote. Mendoza has continued Madigan’s tradition of treating taxpayer dollars like a bottomless piggy bank by sugar-coating the state’s financial statements and calling that progress. As he now sits facing indictment, Madigan’s hand-picked Comptroller Mendoza must answer for her decades-long association with Madigan the corrupt power-broker or be disqualified for office.”

* Leader McConchie…

Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie releases the below statement following former Speaker Michael Madigan’s indictment:

“Madigan’s indictment is testament to the outstanding work of federal investigators, who have taken tremendous steps in the long process of rooting out public corruption in Illinois. However, the people of Illinois shouldn’t have to rely on the Feds to continuously clean up the state’s mess. Today’s announcement underscores the need to empower officials here in Illinois to investigate and prosecute misconduct and corruption of its own public officials. Senate Republicans, as they have for several years now, continue to advocate for the use of a statewide grand jury so we are no longer beholden to the federal government, and we can begin to restore the public’s trust within our own capacity.”

* Class action lawyers…

Please see statement below from Attorneys Stephan Blandin of Romanucci & Blandin and Adam Levitt of Dicello Levitt & Gutzler, who are co-lead counsel on the class action lawsuit against ComEd for the harm to Illinois consumers and businesses by ComEd’s admitted bribery of state officials:

“ComEd bribed Michael Madigan because companies like ComEd know that they can profit by bribing governmental officials. State Farm was alleged to have bribed a Supreme Court Justice. Governor Blagojevich was allegedly bribed by the horse racing industry for favorable legislation. ComEd has admitted to bribing Madigan and has been allowed to keep billions in profits arising from the formula rate legislation and other legislation that ComEd paid Madigan to enact. Politicians will never be beyond reproach. The only way to stop companies like ComEd from bribing politicians is to remove companies’ profit incentive from being allowed to do so. We believe that our lawsuit—presently pending in the Illinois Court of Appeals—will hold ComEd accountable for its millions of Illinois customers who were economically damaged because it its admitted bribery scheme.”

* ILGOP…

The following statement is from ILGOP Chairman Don Tracy in response to the indictment of former Speaker Mike Madigan on federal charges of racketeering:

“For many years, Illinois Democrats across the state – from Governor JB Pritzker on down – supported, enabled, and kissed the ring of Mike Madigan as he built a corrupt state government that served to enrich his allies and special interests while Illinois crumbled. Illinois is a diminished state and a laughing stock for the rest of the nation because Mike Madigan cared more about holding on to power than serving the interests of its citizens - and because elected Democrats across the state supported him.

The Illinois Republican Party is committed to exposing and defeating every last Democrat still around that accepted Madigan’s money, voted Madigan’s way, or defended him as the leader of their party. The list of those needing to be held accountable for what happened is long, and it starts with Governor JB Pritzker.”

* Rodney Davis…

U.S. Representative Rodney Davis (R-IL) issued the following statement after news outlets reported that former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was indicted today on federal corruption charges:

“The indictment of Mike Madigan on federal corruption charges is a long time coming. The people of Illinois have known for years that Madigan was corrupt to his core and that he used state government to benefit himself and his political machine. Governor J.B. Pritzker and Illinois Democrats refused to admit this truth publicly because they enabled Madigan’s corruption, and some were complicit in it.

“Pritzker himself bankrolled Madigan’s political machine and placed his patronage hires throughout state government. Madigan allies like Pritzker and others will have to answer for what they’ve done, but for now, the people of Illinois deserve justice for the corruption they were forced to live under for so long.

“God bless the brave federal prosecutors and law enforcement officers and their work to restore the public’s trust in the State of Illinois.”

* Senate President Harmon…

Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) issued the following statement regarding today’s announcement by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

“These are obviously disturbing allegations. I have confidence in our system of justice. Like everyone else, I will be watching to see how this unfolds.”

* Rep. Brady…

Secretary of State Candidate Dan Brady Statement on Indictment of former House Speaker Mike Madigan

“The indictment of former House Speaker Mike Madigan is a dark day for Illinois Government.

Todays indictment uncovers how the former Speaker leveraged his position as House Speaker to personally benefit him and his allies. Now, more than ever, it is important that we elect leaders who will put the people of Illinois above their special interest pals. As Secretary of State, I will always put the people of Illinois first and make sure that government works for them not special interest.”

* Milhiser…

John Milhiser released the following statement following the announcement of Madigan’s indictment:

“What has been known to people in Illinois for decades is now official: Mike Madigan is going on trial for public corruption. The culture of corruption and cronyism he fostered has been a poison on state government that needs to be cured. We need leaders who have a proven track record of rooting out corruption in state government, and that is why I am running for Secretary of State: to restore the trust in state government career politicians like Madigan have stripped away with their backroom deals taking advantage of the taxpayer.”

* Gov. Pritzker…

An indictment of this magnitude is a condemnation of a system infected with promises of pay-to-play, and the era of corruption and self-dealing among Illinois politicians must end. The conduct alleged in this indictment is deplorable and a stark violation of the public’s trust. Michael Madigan must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

Ultimately, every person in elected office is responsible for doing the right thing – and not lining their own pockets. I am fully committed to eradicate the scourge of corruption from our political system, and today’s indictment is an important step in cleaning up Illinois. I have faith that our justice system will help restore the public’s trust in government.

When I ran for office, I made clear that I would be beholden to no one, and that I would serve the best interests of the people of Illinois. I have upheld that vow. For the past three years, my administration has made clear that such abuses will not be tolerated, and we’ve tightened our ethics laws. I will continue to work with the General Assembly to restore the public’s trust.

* Speaker Welch…

As Chair of the Special Investigating Committee, I made it clear that this matter needed to be handled in a court of law, completely separate from the legislature. As is evident by this federal indictment, the full weight of the justice system was needed to ensure all charges are investigated properly and thoroughly. At my direction, the Office of the Speaker has fully cooperated with the investigation and will continue to do so.

* Paul Schimpf…

“When given the opportunity to stand up to corruption, Governor Pritzker failed. While I’ve consistently stood against corruption throughout my legislative career, the Governor bowed down and kissed Madigan’s ring when it was advantageous for him. No amount of revisionist history gives the Governor the right to clutch his pearls now. My hope is that this is the dawn of a new day in Illinois. Our state has a long history of corruption, and we can see the effects in our communities. I’m running for governor because I believe Illinois residents are fed up with the status quo system that has failed our state’s families for decades.”

* Steve Kim…

“The indictment of Mike Madigan is a major step in tackling the culture of corruption that has become pervasive in Illinois politics,” said Attorney General candidate Steve Kim on the news of Madigan’s indictment. “His transgressions are now in the open and politicians who have worked alongside him need to know: the people of Illinois are fed up with being taken advantage of for the gain of career politicians. I am running to be the people’s attorney, and that means taking a stand against public corruption, unlike our current Attorney General who has remained on the sidelines throughout this process. The indictment of Mike Madigan doesn’t mean corruption in Illinois has come to an end. As Attorney General, I will continue to focus on bringing corrupt politicians to justice.”

* Jim Nowlan…

“For decades, Mike Madigan and Ed Burke, now BOTH indicted on public corruption charges, have done whatever it takes to maintain their iron grip on this state’s Supreme Court. From corralling donations from groups that try cases in front of the court, to ensuring the court’s rulings would benefit themselves, nothing was too low for Madigan and Burke and we are seeing exactly just how low they were willing to go now.

“Make no mistake, Madigan remains on the ballot in this year’s judicial elections. Justice Tom Kilbride was rejected by the voters in 2020 because of his association with Madigan and the controversial cases in which he was the deciding vote, always in Madigan’s favor. Now, the new crop of Madigan pawns are running for the bench. Nancy Rotering, Elizabeth Rochford, and Mary Kay O’Brien are just the latest in a string of Madigan Machine candidates, making the open 2nd and 3rd District seats that much more important for the future of Illinois.

“The connection speaks for itself, and none of the Democratic candidates can run from their Madigan Machine ties. Mary Kay O’Brien was a proud member of Madigan’s caucus before Madigan’s allies engineered her appointment to the appellate court. Elizabeth Rochford contributed money to Alderman Ed Burke’s campaign as a sitting Lake County Judge AFTER Burke was indicted for public corruption. Nancy Rotering has been feeding from the trough of Madigan Machine donors and interest groups in each of her previous unsuccessful campaigns for Congress and Attorney General.

“Voters will have a decision to make in November: continue with the same Madigan Machine politics that have imposed their will on this state for decades, or start anew, with independent legal minds guiding us to a brighter future.”

* People’s Coalition Map…

The following is a statement from The People’s Coalition Map on the indictment of Michael Madigan and its implications for Chicago’s redistricting referendum:

“Today’s federal indictment of Michael Madigan is a clear reminder that the days of his iron grip on our state and on this city are over. That’s why it’s appalling that the City and the Rules Committee continue to support a faulty map, drawn in a backroom deal by Madigan’s top lawyer, Mike Kasper.

“The City’s map protects the entrenched interests of indicted aldermen like Ed Burke, which comes as no surprise based on who’s drawing it. Their map was created without real public input or feedback. And, it continues to carve up communities based on what’s best for Aldermen, not what’s best for the people.

“People should choose their representatives. Representatives shouldn’t choose their people.”

* DPI…

Democratic Party of Illinois Chair Rep. Robin Kelly released the following statement regarding today’s announcement that former DPI Chair Michael J. Madigan has been indicted:

“For the past year, I have been honored to lead our party as the first person of color and the first woman to chair the Democratic Party of Illinois. The DPI is committed to building a party that is more transparent, more diverse, and more inclusive in everything we do. Today’s announcement is a stark reminder that elected leaders must hold themselves to the highest ethical standards. We will observe the legal process as it unfolds, but there can be no tolerance of anyone guilty of violating the public trust. While he stepped down as party chair more than a year ago, Michael J. Madigan remains a State Central Committeeman from the 3rd Congressional District. He should resign from that position as well.

“Since I became chair a year ago, our focus has been on electing Democrats up and down the ticket across Illinois and continuing to fight for the things all Democrats believe in, including raising wages, lowering costs, defending reproductive choice, protecting the environment, investing in our infrastructure, providing high quality education for all, and more. We will not let actions of the past distract us from our mission in 2022 and beyond.”

* Kaegi…

Following is a statement from Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi regarding the indictment of Michael J. Madigan:

“Today’s news has been a long time coming. Even out of office, Michael Madigan still holds sway over parts of the political power structure of Illinois and the money that swirls around it.

“I ran for Assessor as a progressive Democrat because I was tired of the corruption and favoritism of the Madigan political power structure, which this indictment says extended to his work in a law firm that specializes in property tax appeals. I believed there was a better way, and I’m delivering on that promise.

“This indictment outlines a pattern of behavior that extends beyond just one man. It should signal to those who continue to practice Madigan’s brand of politics that it is time for them to leave the stage.

“The personal and professional ties of too many politicians have created a corrupt morass that our state has not fully escaped from, even today. Middle-class families continue to suffer because of it. It’s long past time to turn the page on Illinois’ corrupt past once and for all.

“For our party to truly be the Democratic Party, we must not only say we are on the side of middle-class people, but also take the actions to prove it. We must be dedicated to rooting out corruption wherever it remains. We must break away from the power and money that supported the type of politics that Madigan symbolizes and many others still practice.

“If this indictment means corrupt practices that benefit the few at the expense of the many will be left in the past, then this will be a day worth celebrating.”

* Ald. Sigcho-Lopez…

The following is a statement from Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez on Michael Madigan’s indictment and the ramifications of Solis-Madigan corruption:

“Today’s federal indictment of Michael Madigan is especially significant for the 25th ward as new evidence has been revealed about the corruption and pay-to-play politics that my predecessor, Danny Solis, subjected our communities to for years.

“Solis’ name is mentioned 58 times in Madigan’s indictment, and time will surely tell the extent of their corruption. Corruption, which has a very real cost for Chicagoans. Here in the 25th ward, we are still cleaning up the mess Solis left behind.

“Moving forward, we need to create more safeguards against public corruption through city and state legislation that prevents indicted elected officials from using campaign dollars to fund their criminal defense and ethics reform that closes campaign finance loopholes that allow wealthy corporations to influence the outcome of elections. Passing these reforms is how Illinois will show that we’ve truly come out from behind Madigan’s shadow.”

* Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago)…

In a far-reaching and expansive indictment, today former Speaker Michael Madigan has been indicted on 22 counts of racketeering, bribery and extortion.

In the fall of 2020, I joined 18 of my colleagues in calling on former Speaker Madigan to step down when it became clear he could no longer effectively lead our caucus in light of the unfolding corruption scandal. When he refused to step aside, I ran for Speaker against Mike Madigan - which ultimately served as a catalyst for change and ushered in new leadership for the first time in decades.

I did this despite strong pushback from colleagues and powerful entrenched interests. It was personally and professionally challenging but needed to happen to protect our Democratic values and the integrity of the Illinois House.

Accountability and integrity should be at the foundation of public service. Unfortunately, this was lost in the pursuit of personal gain and political power. Collaboration and inclusion took a back seat to a culture of cronyism and control.

Although the Illinois General Assembly has accomplished much for the people of the State of Illinois in recent years, the continued corruption scandal put our accomplishments in jeopardy and threatened to thwart continued progress.

The advancement of the priorities and policy goals which reflect Democratic values is why we serve - and must always remain at the forefront.

* Nancy Rotering…

“Today’s indictment of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan is a welcome continuation of the fight against corruption in Illinois government. As someone who repeatedly called for Speaker Madigan to step down four years ago, I hope that today’s indictment serves as a warning to anyone else thinking that ethical and legal failings of the past will go away with time. They should and will be held accountable. The decades-long abuses of power by Mike Madigan, Ed Burke, Joe Berrios, and others have diminished trust in the democratic process, damaged Illinois’ reputation, and cost residents and businesses an incalculable amount.” - Mayor Nancy Rotering, Candidate for Illinois Supreme Court District 2
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