Illinois State House District 14 issued the following announcement on July 30.
The following is a statement from State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, in response to recent news about Illinois Democratic House Speaker Michael J. Madigan and the federal investigation into ComEd:
“I have long been an outspoken critic of Speaker Madigan, but I have always stopped short of calling for his resignation, deferring to many of my colleagues’ concerns about due process. In fact, many have cited the so-called ‘Arroyo rule,’ referring to the Speaker’s own declaration that a colleague who was under indictment should resign or be removed. As a leader on criminal justice reform, I feel strongly about the principles of innocent until proven guilty and the right to due process. I also believe leadership must be held to a higher standard, and it is clear that the constant drip of corruption stories will interfere with our ability to advance a progressive agenda. Whether these investigations ultimately implicate him or continue to pick away at his inner circle, the damage is done.”
“We are heading into the most consequential election of my lifetime. Democrats are in serious races up and down the ballot. And thanks in large part to the bold, progressive leadership of Gov. Pritzker, we finally have a Fair Tax Amendment on the ballot–something I have worked toward for most of my adult life. I cannot pretend that we have another minute to wait and see, or look the other way and hope for the best. The stakes are too high. Speaker Madigan must step down from his leadership roles, both in the House and in our party.”
“Finally, I must note that I am following the lead of several of my colleagues–particularly first term women–who spoke up, despite the risk of political repercussions. In a truly democratic body, everyone should feel safe taking a principled stand without fear of retaliation. I plan to do everything in my power to make sure anyone who shares our values of equity and fairness is not left in the cold because they decided it was time for new leadership.”
Original source can be found here.
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