Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

Madigan to resign House seat at end of the month

Posted in:

Illinois

* Press release…

The following is a statement from Michael J. Madigan:

“Today I am announcing that I will resign as state representative of the 22nd district at the end of the month. It has been my great honor to serve the people of Illinois as speaker of the House and state representative of the 22nd District. This journey would not have been possible without my wonderful wife, Shirley, and children, Lisa, Tiffany, Nicole and Andrew, who have stood by my side year after year, providing their love and support despite the pressure of growing up in the public spotlight. I am fortunate to have them in my life.

“Fifty years ago, I decided to dedicate my life to public service. Simply put, I knew I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. I believed then and still do today that it is our duty as public servants to improve the lives of the most vulnerable and help hardworking people build a good life. These ideals have been the cornerstone of my work on behalf of the people of Illinois and the driving force throughout my time in the Illinois House.

“As speaker, legislator and member of the Illinois Constitutional Convention, I worked to make the General Assembly a co-equal branch of government, ensuring it acted as a check on the power of the governor and the executive branch, especially around a governor’s abuse of the amendatory veto. Many heated battles were fought to keep governors from rewriting legislation sent to them by the General Assembly.

“I am particularly proud of our work to increase the diversity of voices in the House Democratic Caucus to include more women, people of color and members of the LGBTQ community. In my tenure as Illinois House speaker, we worked to elect representatives across all backgrounds and beliefs to truly represent the interests of the people of our state.

“With the partnership of this diverse and talented group of Illinois Democrats and with our colleagues across the aisle, we were able to level the playing field and strengthen the middle class while workers in other states saw their wages diminished.

“We achieved school funding reform to increase investment for schools in need and address inequalities in our state’s education system. We made Illinois a welcoming state by passing the Illinois Dream Act and providing drivers’ licenses for undocumented residents.

“We strengthened the rights of workers, increased the minimum wage, expanded access to health care for Illinois’ most vulnerable residents, and protected a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions.

“We upheld the rights of all Illinois residents by passing marriage equality, finally recognizing the rights of men and women to marry the people they love. We enacted criminal justice reforms to break down laws that too often target people of color and led the country in expanding voting rights as other states weakened them.

“Collaborating with leaders in the retail, hospitality, manufacturing, health care and other industries, we built a partnership with job creators to encourage economic development and address crises in our unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation systems. We also expanded opportunities in the tourism and film industry, created the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority that reinvented McCormick Place and Navy Pier, and established the Illinois Sports Facility Authority that kept the White Sox in Chicago.

“When were confronted with the Rauner administration and the interests of the wealthy, who sought to weaken unions and the labor movement in Illinois, we stood up for working people.

Rauner went on to plunge our state into a budget crisis, nearly bankrupting social service agencies, eliminating funding for higher education, and racking up billions of dollars in state debt in the process. House Democrats stood as the last line of defense to protect our state from collapse.

“Under my leadership, we increased transparency of state and local government by creating the Freedom of Information Act and protecting it from attempts to water it down, impeached Rod Blagojevich and repeatedly strengthened the state’s ethics and campaign finance laws.”

“It’s no secret that I have been the target of vicious attacks by people who sought to diminish my many achievements lifting up the working people of Illinois. The fact is, my motivation for holding elected office has never wavered. I have been resolute in my dedication to public service and integrity, always acting in the interest of the people of Illinois.”

“My achievements would not have been possible without the hard work and commitment of many members of my staff through the years. I thank them for their efforts on behalf of the House Democratic Caucus and the people of Illinois. I also want to thank the many volunteers and supporters who worked on behalf of the residents of the 22nd District. It is with the collective support of many that we have made Illinois a bastion of Democratic values.

“I leave office at peace with my decision and proud of the many contributions I’ve made to the state of Illinois, and I do so knowing I’ve made a difference.”

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 9:47 am

Comments

Somewhere in Italy Bruce Rauner is pouring himself a glass of wine

Comment by Lincoln Parker Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 9:49 am
Wow.

Comment by Northsider Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 9:49 am
Never would have guessed

Comment by durandite Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 9:51 am
==Somewhere in Italy Bruce Rauner is pouring himself a glass of wine==.

Rauner lied (I know - be still my heart). He only made it to Floriduh.

Comment by Lt Guv Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 9:52 am
Does this mean an indictment is imminent?

Comment by Oxfordian Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 9:52 am
Although it was briefly touched on yesterday, this brings the ILGOP one step closer to having to come to terms with what/who to blame all their problems on next.

“Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.”

Comment by TheInvisibleMan Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 9:52 am
==Somewhere in Italy Bruce Rauner is pouring himself a glass of wine==

In Italy. Think on that.

Comment by don the legend Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 9:53 am
One of the most consequential state legislators in American history.

Comment by Rich Hill Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 9:53 am
Godspeed Mr. Speaker. Grateful for all you’ve done for the State of Illinois and the Democratic Party. You wrote the book.
I’ll always remember to “make sure their are batteries in the flashlights.” You will be missed.

Comment by Southsider Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 9:54 am
=== Somewhere in Italy Bruce Rauner is pouring himself a glass of wine===

Doubtful.

Rauner was humiliated, had to have JB Pritzker bail out his wife’s social service, dressed in costumes for 5 years, groveled to Donald Trump the last week of an election, and then moved to Florida after wasting nearly $200 million dollars without winning at anything he tried.

The ones having wine, if any, are the 19 who’s only purpose to unite was to deny Madigan, and now Madigan is gone.

Rauner, if anything, is embarrassed, removed, and tens of millions of dollars lighter… and came up empty.

To the post,

This is quietly the loudest thing to happen in Illinois, only thing(s) remotely similar needed death… the deaths of Richard J Daley and Harold Washington.

The uneventful way this has played out, quietly, no fanfare or fighting to heights… that’s the story.

Whew. The Madigan era is officially over.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 9:55 am
I realize the actual act of his resignation is monumental, but no one is surprised by this, right?

Comment by Montrose Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 9:56 am
If Madigan was honest reflecting on his career and not complaining about the vicious attacks on him, he would have to acknowledge his role in the budget crisis as the leader of the co -equal branch of government, during the last two decades (not just the Rauner 4 years)

Comment by Lucky Pierre Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 9:57 am
===Somewhere in Italy Bruce Rauner is pouring himself a glass of wine===

This could only happen if he is completely detached from reality and some how thinks the colossal failure of his administration and purchasing the GOP whole scale with millions of dollars only to lead them into the smallest minority they’ve had in either chamber in anyone’s memory while inviting screaming loons into the party dooming it to insignificance for years ahead while flirting with right wing terrorist organizations.

Bruce Rauner was a terrible governor with no significant accomplishment that could outpace his failure to introduce a balance budget and the damage he did by running up billions of dollars in state spending.

If he can imagine he’s some how the “winner” in anything to do with his foray into Illinois politics, he’s either a complete sociopath or completely delusional.

Let’s not write a happy fiction where Bruce Rauner didn’t purposefully damage the lives of tens of thousands of our friends, family, and neighbors to win some penis measuring contest.

The guy repeatedly and constantly lied about his grandparents because his actual life story was too inadequate for what he wanted to pretend it was, so I am sure he’ll go to cocktail parties and talk about how he defeated Mike Madigan — which is only possible if he some how was behind Exelon’s bribery scheme.

Comment by Candy Dogood Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 9:59 am
As for Madigan recounting his pride in civil rights activism, he was relatively late to the game.

It will be interesting to see how history treats Madigan. It may not be entirely positive. I think it will be a mixed bag.

Comment by Practical Politics Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:00 am
=Does this mean an indictment is imminent?=

No.

Comment by Colin O'Scopy Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:00 am
Speaker for Life.

Comment by ;) Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:00 am
Am dissapointed, as I’d hoped he resign after he used his reapportionment skills on my Congressman, Rodney Davis. No /s

Comment by Anyone Remember Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:02 am
Obviously not a surprise other than the timing perhaps. Maybe it took him some time to decide on a successor.

He held on a bit too long. I thought the best time for him to leave was after defeating Rauner. Unfortunately, his ego wouldn’t let him. For that he suffered one of the biggest embarrassments of his career.

Now is a time for new leadership. Leadership, that hopefully puts governing first and party second. I’m not holding my breath.

Comment by Norseman Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:03 am
His time was up and he did the right thing by resigning. His story won’t be complete until the ComEd chapter is written, but 50 years is a lot of time. His high point was defeating Rauner on the budget.

Comment by Friendly Bob Adams Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:03 am
=It’s no secret that I have been the target of vicious attacks by people who sought to diminish my many achievements lifting up the working people of Illinois=

MJM deserves credit for staying in power for so long. However, the price was high. Those “vicious attacks” include a fair investigation by an impartial DOJ that resulted in naming him “Public Official A” in a sordid corruption investigation. He destroyed his own legacy.

Comment by Donnie Elgin Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:05 am
Time for Lisa to reappear…

Comment by Lincoln Lad Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:06 am
He’s quitting barely six weeks into the new legislative session. Heather Steans approves.

Comment by Pawar Lost Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:08 am
Not with a bang but a whimper.

Comment by NIU Grad Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:08 am
A giant in his own time. Hard to imagine another.

Comment by AlfondoGonz Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:09 am
And Dats dat. The peaceful transition of power on the southwest side is one step closer to reality. As a fellow Ignatius alum I wish the man well. I believe it’s better to leave on your own terms.

Comment by Regular democrat Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:10 am
“I leave office at peace with my decision”, I am at peace with this decision as well.

Comment by Not the Dude Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:12 am
Candy and OW are spot on. Rauner got pantsed by the little fella pretty much everyday of his administration. Rauner never hurt Madigan, the diminutive speaker stood like granite in the face of Rauner’s bloviating. And like a petulant child, Rauner hurt those he could as retribution that we are still trying to recover from.

to the post: I am surprised even though I shouldn’t be, I am. I am glad he is done. Aside from his time opposing Rauner, he should have been gone a long time ago.

Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:13 am
“I thought the best time for him to leave was after defeating Rauner.”

Were it not for reapportionment, I’d agree. However, think he planned to settle a few scores with the final map. Was hoping he’d stick around and use those skills on my Congressman, Rodney Davis.

Comment by Anyone Remember Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:16 am
“I am surprised even though I shouldn’t be,” I’m not surprised at all. To use the ever-present sports metaphor, if Tom Brady were relegated to backup QB, I’d expect his retirement soon after.

Comment by Skeptic Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:20 am
“The ones having wine, if any, are the 19 who’s only purpose to unite was to deny Madigan, and now Madigan is gone.”

We owe so much to those 19. They were mocked…called irrelevant…but they finally realized that they had power in the system and changed Illinois history.

Comment by NIU Grad Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:20 am
Surprised he’s resigning as opposed to retiring. But either way, he is leaving on his own terms with his party on top and a pile of defeated opponents who attacked him in his wake.

In the relatively short time I’ve followed Illinois politics, Madigan has been pretty good, light years better than his opponents, in enactment of very key bills such as SSM and ACA Medicaid expansion.

Madigan stood very firm in support of unions at a time that they were were attacked by Rauner. For that there is praise and gratitude.

Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:21 am
End of an era, thats for sure

Comment by Nick Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:22 am
===Surprised he’s resigning as opposed to retiring===

What’s the difference?

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:23 am
=== Whew. The Madigan era is officially over ===

Not until he resigns from chairman of IL Democratic Party and his other Democratic Party roles.

Then he’ll have no influence of any kind.

Comment by John Lopez Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:23 am
It seems doubtful that newly elected Representative Michael Madigan of 1972- would recognize the retiring Speaker of 2021. That is entirely to the Speaker’s credit. As a legislator- he moved far more in fifty years than people really appreciate.
I personally wish him health and joy in retirement.

Comment by West Sider Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:23 am
MJM next spot? The top of the GARS pension database. He will supplant former state representative and senator Arthur L. Berman who served a measly 31 years.

Comment by Donnie Elgin Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:25 am
Anybody have “Madigan Resigns” on their Pandemic Bingo Card? Anybody??

Comment by Nearly Normal Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:25 am
Illinois will never be the same.

On a different note, anyone know how much of his campaign dollars MJM will get to keep as he had a lot grandfathered-in before the law was changed?

Comment by Boomerang Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:28 am
Those GOP mailers will be a lot less entertaining.

Comment by Flyin' Elvis'-Utah Chapter Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:31 am
It’s hard to see him remaining on as head of DPI for long if he’s neither speaker or in the legislature. But for a lot of reasons that’s probably something he wants to see handled, rather than just resigning and going “okay bye.”

Comment by Nick Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:31 am
Madigan was the last living remnant of the old Mayor Daley southside Irish political machine. Forget about Al Capone, the Irish have been running Chicago for well over 100 years, since the time of Hinky Dink Kenna.

What I find interesting is that Mike Madigan did not use a cell phone or email, and how he passed orders down through buffers. The similarity to an Outfit boss is there for sure. As a taxpayer, my only beef is that Madigan’s resignation once again proves that only the federal authorities can force reform in Illinois government, from Eliot Ness until today.

Comment by Payback Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:32 am
“What’s the difference?”

Resignation seems to have negative connotations, like it’s done to avoid trouble, or by force or pressure. Retirement sounds like it’s done on one’s own terms.

Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:32 am
=== Resignation seems to have negative connotations, like it’s done to avoid trouble, or by force or pressure. Retirement sounds like it’s done on one’s own terms. ===

It’s resignation because he didn’t finish his current term, and a replacement will be appointed by party bosses, not the voters in open primary/election.

It’d be retirement if he finished his current term.

Comment by John Lopez Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:38 am
It’ll be tough to see any real influence Madigan will wield as “party chairman”, frankly, Madigan only used the title and influence for mailing discounts… no website, no apparatus, no building of a party outside the caucuses or counties…

… it’s a straw man silliness that Raunerites will try to keep “alive” like older kids do to younger children when it comes to “something hiding under the bed”

That’s it.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:42 am
==Illinois will never be the same.==

I’ll toast to that!

Comment by SumGai1986 Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:42 am
Why effective at the end of the month? Should be effective immediately.

Comment by Soapbox Derby Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:44 am
Will he really resign at end of month or do it on March 1 so he gets that extra month pay? /s

Comment by DuPage Saint Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:48 am
==Whew. The Madigan era is officially over.== He still has close to $20 mil in accounts he controls and is Chair of DPI. Not sure the fat lady has sung.

Comment by Tom Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:48 am
The best has just resigned. The longest serving Speaker of a state legislature has called it quits before the next election. I wonder if Mike Madigan is going to get indicted soon and that’s why he’s announcing his resignation now? Although, he might not get indicted because the DOJ doesn’t feel they have enough of a case for a conviction. I wait and see. Best of luck to Mike Madigan on all future endeavors. No one understands how to win elections and keep political power better than him. Period.

Comment by Street Walker Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:48 am
OK, so odds are the spot goes to one of Chuy’s guys, & Chuy gets theDemocratic State party Chair, buts who gets the 13th Ward Commiteemen’s spot. Marty Quinn?

Comment by Retired 126 Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:49 am
Will he remain head of the Illinois Democratic Party?

Comment by Soapbox Derby Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:49 am
=== He still has close to $20 mil in accounts he controls and is Chair of DPI. Not sure the fat lady has sung.===

(Sigh)

Look under your bed… tell me what you see.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:50 am
== Why effective at the end of the month? Should be effective immediately. ==

Most likely has to do with keeping continuous coverage with the State health insurance.

Comment by RNUG Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:53 am
“It’s resignation because he didn’t finish his current term”

Didn’t know the distinction, thanks.

Madigan deserves a statue in Chicago, for being a Machine guy so long without an indictment or conviction.

Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:53 am
Aren’t resigning politicians required by law to say they want to spend more time with their family?

/s

Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 10:54 am
Did Pat Quinn’s “Cutback Amendment” boost the career of Mike Madigan?

Someone asked me a question a few days ago and I checked an Illinois Blue Book for a legislator’s biography to check on a name. It was unreal to see how much different the composition of the General Assembly was before the amendment was passed.

Some historians may argue that the amendment did more harm than good.

Comment by Practical Politics Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 11:00 am
Thank you Speaker for your service, for your mentorship, for your leadership when the state needed you.

Lots will be written about the things he did wrong, but I personally need to acknowledge that his style, his skills and his focused leadership will never be replicated. I learned a lot from him directly and indirectly.

His strength and leadership were unique and admired by many for a long time.

Comment by Siriusly Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 11:00 am
Flawed individual but he stood up to Rauner. I am grateful for that.

Comment by Scamp640 Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 11:08 am
== MJM next spot? The top of the GARS pension database. ==

I think that one DPH doctor may make more.

Comment by RNUG Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 11:10 am
=DPH doctor may make more=

Yes the doc will make more - but no in the GARS

Comment by Donnie Elgin Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 11:22 am
MJM stood for self interest. He created legions of followers who also believe in self interest. While that will always be a component of politics, it should not be the sole driver. Let’s hope that the post-MJM era can aim for something bigger than one’s self.

Comment by Ed Equity Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 11:25 am
When I think of Madigan my thoughts usually go to two friends’ children who didn’t get into UIUC despite good grades/SAT scores at the time Madigan was passing out admissions to relatives of donors and supporters. That may seem trivial in the context of all the inside politics that gets discussed on this board, but it was life-changing for them. Delighted to see him go.

Comment by lake county democrat Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 11:34 am
What a tone deaf statement

Comment by AndyIllini Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 11:35 am
===MJM stood for self interest. He created legions of followers who also believe in self interest.===

The Rauner years… Madigan stood up for more than himself, and when it mattered stood up for Illinois over Rauner.

The legacy of Mike Madigan is very complicated, less this;

In the end Mike Madigan was a guy who knew how to consolidate power… in a way that made his necessity to others seem irreplaceable.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 11:35 am
=On a different note, anyone know how much of his campaign dollars MJM will get to keep as he had a lot grandfathered-in before the law was changed?=

Scott Kennedy had the numbers a little while back, and it wasn’t as much as you might think - IIRC, it was a little under $1.5M

Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 11:36 am
Not all of us who ran and won did it for self interest. With that said, I feel fortunate to have served during his tenure.

Comment by Kate Cloonen Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 11:40 am
=MJM stood for self interest. He created legions of followers who also believe in self interest.=

Every politician, to one extent or another, is invested heavily in self-interest. It’s a nature of the beast. When I think of MJM, I think of someone who kept Blago and Emil from fleecing the state, someone who protected the state from BVR’s attempts to destroy it, and someone who provided a check to nearly 26 years of continuous Republican governors.

He was a machine guy and a ward guy but he was also an institutionalist who revered the role of the House of Representatives and projected it to a point of prominence in public policy. I think he cared as much about the House and its influence as he did about the 13th Ward.

Only the G knows where this all goes from here, but I wish the man well in his retirement. He was an institution himself, and his legacy will undoubtedly be complicated, but to me, the good (thus far) has far outweighed the bad.

Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 11:43 am
I hope he resigns as head of the Democratic Party of Illinois, as well. Someone who calls himself a Democrat, but pays for mailers which falsely portray other Democrats (progressives, no less) running in primaries as Tea Partiers has no business running the state party.

Comment by Techie Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 11:49 am
==You will be missed.== More have the opposite sentiment.

Comment by Southwest Sider Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 11:53 am
As most who leave the arena experience - the suddenness and finality of the spickot being turned off is jarring.

In the Speaker’s case, the new/future Dem Caucus will distance themselves from him. The time frame from half a century in office to the distant rear view mirror is alarmingly sudden.

A year from now it will seem like a bygone era that lasted way too long.

Comment by Spot on Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 11:54 am
Politics aside, CapFax readers should be sorry to see the departures of both Bruce Rauner and Mike Madigan…

They were our favorite subjects for Rich’s Caption Contests.

Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 12:04 pm
That statement he issued about himself sounds more than a wee bit narcissistic and self focused. But it helps illuminate a lot about his thinking over the past few years of the Madigan speakership.

Comment by Responsa Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 12:06 pm
Gee, you leave the house for a couple of hours and this happens.

Comment by JoanP Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 12:12 pm
From the time that the group of 19 came forward in opposition this day was inevitable. It’s funny that some of Madigan’s loudest critics were absolutely convinced that he wouldn’t relinquish his speakership, but he did. The same people were convinced that he wouldn’t give up his seat, but he did. And now they’re certain he won’t give up control of the Democratic Party (he will).

More importantly than Madigan stepping down is that we recognize the resolve of those that demanded it - in his own party. There’s been no intraparty civil war. Nobody is being censured. There’s no suggestion that Democrats can’t win without him. Life and governing continues. And I suspect in the long run the party will be better for it.

Comment by Pundent Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 12:27 pm
==Politics aside, CapFax readers should be sorry to see the departures of both Bruce Rauner and Mike Madigan…==

Somewhere in Macoupin County, even while under indictment, Sam McCann is probably smiling and laughing. I remember his quote in the 2018 governor’s debate promising he would “bring down” both Rauner and Madigan.

Comment by Essential State Employee Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 12:31 pm
Madigan did not “relinquish” his Speakership

He was not re-elected by his caucus

If he wanted to relinquish he would have withdrawn his candidacy instead of going to the mattresses

Comment by Lucky Pierre Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 1:10 pm
==When I think of MJM, I think of someone who kept Blago and Emil from fleecing the state, someone who protected the state from BVR’s attempts to destroy it, and someone who provided a check to nearly 26 years of continuous Republican governors.==

When I think of MJM, I think of a guy who ran sham primary opponents because he was scared of an honest debate, bilked the state and numerous businesses out of countless “no-show” jobs for his own political gain, profited off the property tax policies he helped pass, and presided over the worsening of this state’s finances and pension systems.

Tammany Hall ended 60 years ago in NYC, Bulger retired from the MA Senate in the 90s, and now, finally, Illinois is catching up… decades too late, I might add.

Comment by TKMH Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 1:24 pm
He may be gone but there are 14-20 million ($) reasons he will not be forgotten..

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 1:36 pm
Where do I get my Lisa Madigan For Governor yard sign?

Comment by Lurker Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 2:26 pm
Why do any GOP folks think Madigan being gone makes their opportunity and access open up? The Dem party is far more left than when the Speaker first started. He was a Daley Southside Irish kid, far more conservative than almost all his current party.
Plus to think Speaker Welch is going to entertain the commentary or desires of Trump nation and their buzzwords, “those people in Chicago” in the interest of the Trib editorial board saying folks are working together, is ridiculous.

Comment by Frank talks Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 2:33 pm
Wow! Nothing is forever, not even Madigan. We no longer have him to kick around. Who’ll be the new adult in the room with governors like Blago or Rauner. Who’ll be the next true check….

Comment by Levois J Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 2:55 pm
=If he wanted to relinquish he would have withdrawn his candidacy instead of going to the mattresses=

That you would be totally oblivious to how this went down is not surprising. I’m sure this is difficult for you to process given how much space Madigan was renting in your head. The fact that it was his own party that told him his time was up must be even harder to grasp.

Comment by Pundent Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 3:07 pm
=== The fact that it was his own party that told him his time was up must be even harder to grasp.===

Here endeth the lesson.

As pathetic as Raunerites are, they can’t grasp… Rauner had nothing to do with it, and the quiet, peaceful, “uneventful” change… it leaves the Raunerites hollow… and still a super-minority party with no crutch.

Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 3:11 pm
MJM may have resigned after finding out the mess to come on redistricting, not wanting to stick around for all the drama merely as a State Rep (albeit still wielding the power of the DPI behind the scenes). Add in the uncertainty of his future as “former Public Official A”, and a lifetime of experiences in government, and why hang around any longer? His legacy is too complex to simply do a thumbs-up or thumbs-down on, but his ending certainly was less than glorious for all the power and influence he carried.

Comment by thisjustinagain Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 4:32 pm
He is the Man. Only his knowledge and respect and ability to move legislation and know which door to open. We should ever be so lucky in Springfield.

Comment by Bear3 Thursday, Feb 18, 21 @ 5:35 pm