But there was absolutely no sign that will occur or that Madigan, who has accused Republicans of playing politics, intends to drop his re-election bid. And Durkin at a news conference had to explain emails that say he, too, sought patronage favors from the Chicago utility.
The day began when longtime Madigan confidant and ComEd lobbyist Mike McClain was arraigned on charges that he orchestrated a scheme in which the utility provided jobs, contracts and other matters in an effort to “reward” and “influence” the powerful speaker to advance ComEd’s Springfield agenda.
Also arraigned were former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, ex-company executive and lobbyist John Hooker and consultant Jay Doherty, who allegedly used his consulting firm as a go-between by hiring Madigan associates for no-work jobs. All pleaded not guilty.
Shortly thereafter, in a Zoom news conference, Durkin, joined by two other GOP lawmakers, called on Madigan to resign—not only foregoing a chance to be re-elected speaker, but quitting as both speaker and a House member.
“I’m asking him to leave the General Assembly,” said Durkin. “All roads in this massive and wide scandal lead to Speaker Madigan. Speaker Madigan under no circumstances can continue to serve.”
Two other Republicans, Reps. Tom Demmer of Dixon and Deanne Mazzochi of Elmhurst, called on Madigan to at least testify before a special House panel about his involvement with ComEd.
Madigan has refused to do so, accusing the special committee of turning into “political theater.” He’s also stressed that, while he occasionally may recommend someone for a job, he has committed no wrongdoing and knows little of what McClain or others may have done to pressure the utility. Madigan has not been charged with any crimes.
Madigan had no immediate response to the Republicans, but Rep. Chris Welch, D-Hillside, who heads the special committee, sharply rebutted the GOP attack.
“Their only goal has been political theater, even if that means dragging this committee into the middle of the federal prosecutor’s case,” he said in a statement. “Leader Durkin is clearly seeking a public distraction from ComEd emails showing that the company took the same steps to influence him that he would now portray as unbecoming conduct, but his constant attempts to drag a serious investigative effort into politics will not influence the work of this committee.”
Mazzochi said a trove of previously secret emails released on Thanksgiving eve contradicts Madigan’s denials. But the emails also cite two instances in which either Durkin or his chief of staff also sought jobs from ComEd.
Durkin says he was not aware of what his chief of staff may have done, but that he personally has not sought jobs. Regardless, he continued: “This is not about hiring recommendations. It’s about a nine-year hiring scandal.”
Based on court documents, Durkin said he believes further indictments against other people are on the way, but he gave no specifics.
He also said he now has more votes for speaker—54—than Madigan after 19 members of the speaker’s Democratic caucus have publicly said they will not back Madigan for a new term. No Republicans will switch sides and vote for a Democrat for speaker, so some of them instead should back him, Durkin said.
That’s considered highly unlikely, given wide philosophical disagreements between the two parties here.
If no one can get the 60 votes needed for speaker, Secretary of State Jesse White will preside over the House until someone can craft a majority.
