Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady called on Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan to investigate allegations of waste and potential insider profiting by Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan raised in an investigation this week by Crain's Chicago Business.
The Crain's report found that Democratic political infighting - and possibly insider profiting - by Mike Madigan cost taxpayers nearly a half billion dollars. According to the report, between 2005 and 2010, Mike Madigan blocked five bills to restructure McCormick Place bonds. This was during a time of falling interest rates. Crain's says Mike Madigan may have done so because McCormick Place CEO Juan Ochoa fired an ally of Mike Madigan who worked at the convention center. The report suggests that Mike Madigan may have also been buying time for two clients of his law firm, who were working on a land swap and hotel deal with McCormick Place.
"These are very serious allegations about Speaker Madigan that require an investigation by Attorney General Madigan," said Brady. "Our state is broke and half a billion dollars went down the drain thanks to infighting and possibly insider profiting."
“Lisa Madigan has repeatedly assured voters in every political campaign that being the daughter of the Illinois House Speaker and State Democratic Party Chairman would not stop her from doing her job,” said Brady. “Now is the time for Lisa Madigan to do her job.”
"I know this may make Thanksgiving at the Madigan house a bit uncomfortable next week, but the Attorney General's oath of office as chief law enforcement officer trumps having a rough family dinner," said Brady.
