Chicago City Wire

Ammie Kessem, District 19 candidate for the Illinois House, recently signed “The People’s Pledge,” a growing effort of candidates and lawmakers to end Rep. Michael Madigan’s (D-Chicago) 30-year reign as House Speaker.

“It’s time for new leadership down in Springfield,” Kessem said.

In contrast, Kessem’s opponent, Rep. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago), told the Illinois News Network that he would support Madigan.

Rep. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago)

“I think that there will be lots of discussions within the Democratic caucus as to who our candidate would be, but whoever that candidate is, if it’s Mike Madigan I’m voting for him," he said.

Kessem urges voters to remember Martwick’s statement when they vote on Nov. 6.

“A vote for Martwick is a vote for Madigan, which is a vote for the same failing government that we have seen over decades,” she said. “Higher property taxes, higher income taxes, corrupt (pay-to-play) games, etc.”

The 19th House District includes Chicago, the townships of Leyden and Norwood Park, and the villages of Elmwood Park, Harwood Heights, Norridge and River Grove.