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Speaker Madigan responds to allegations against Lang

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Illinois

* Press release…

House Speaker Michael J. Madigan issued the following statement Thursday:

“I appreciate the courage it takes for individuals to come forward to share their experiences, and in doing so urge us all to do better.

“Representative Lang has already requested that the legislative inspector general immediately conduct a full investigation of these allegations and I’m hopeful she will conduct this investigation quickly and thoroughly. After consultation with me, Representative Lang has submitted his resignation from House leadership, as well as from the Legislative Ethics Commission and the Joint Commission on Administrative Rules.”

That kind of implies that Lang’s been forced out of leadership, etc.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:23 pm

Comments

Cullerton removed Silverstein about a year after he learned of the allegations and only when it became public. Lang the same day as the allegation.

Comment by Befuddled Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:27 pm
The real test of whether the leadership still supports him is if an organized campaign to discredit the accuser begins soon…I guess we’ll see how this 3PM conference goes.

Comment by NIU Grad Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:28 pm
–That kind of implies that Lang’s been forced out of leadership, etc.–

Yes, the “after consultation with me…” is the key phrase.

Comment by wordslinger Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:30 pm
That seems like a pretty big step…

I’m curious if there is concern over others. I do not want to spread rumors, but I do want to say I have personally heard other women describe similar encounters.

Comment by Anon Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:50 pm
Bad timing for Lang, MJM has him on a short leash due to the allegations against his organization. The investigation into MJM may drag on - but he will look decisive by booting Lang.

Comment by Texas Red Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:52 pm
===I have personally heard other women describe similar encounters.===

Other than the inappropriate comments and touching, what was similar? Legislators behaving like jerks? Killing bills for sport and/or spite? Yelling at lobbyists and advocates? Being opaque about their actual intentions? Belittling people they disagree with? Screaming and cursing?

That’s just a day in the life at the Capitol. The Me Too stuff is intolerable and must be rooted out. Getting legislators to be nicer human beings? I’d like to see the training module for that.

There are jerks in every profession. Bullies too. It’s a fact of life.

Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:55 pm
A day after Representative Lou Lang sponsored the Equal Rights Amendment and it was ratified, he resigns from House leadership and is being investigated for sexual harassment? Absolutely shameful!

Comment by Black Ivy Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 2:57 pm
“A day after Representative Lou Lang sponsored the Equal Rights Amendment”
Considering the thoughts of this being politically driven, it is somewhat surprising this wasn’t rolled out prior to that vote. Could have killed or at least delayed the ERA.

Comment by Anon Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 3:02 pm
==Could have killed or at least delayed the ERA.==

Dunno. Rich described this situation as the “Worst kept secret” under the dome, so I’m guessing most legislators knew about this as of last night.

Comment by Arsenal Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 3:05 pm
Mike Madigan: When a fly lands on the Speaker… the person responsible were always given a chance to let their families keep their fortunes. Right?

Lou Lang: Yeah, but only the rich guys, Mike. The little guys got knocked off and all their estates went to the Emperors. Unless they went home and killed themselves, then nothing happened. And the families… the families were taken care of.

Mike Madigan: That was a good break. A nice deal.

Lou Lang: Yeah… They went home… and sat in a hot bath… opened up their veins… and bled to death… and sometimes they had a little party before they did it.

Comment by Colin O'Scopy Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 4:45 pm
Was that Dan Burke with the phone ringing and hand slashing across his neck?

Comment by Odd Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 5:26 pm
Who will replace Lou Lang as the majority leader of the House?

Comment by Mama Thursday, May 31, 18 @ 10:49 pm