Chicago Republican David Krupa argues longtime House Speaker Mike Madigan has devolved into an equal opportunity agitator.
“What you’re seeing right now is proof that no one is completely in step with Madigan anymore and the devastation he is bringing to this state,” Krupa told Chicago City Wire. “The growing resistance we’re seeing is indicative of people of different age groups, ideology and everything in between all feeling that he needs to go.”
With Madigan now at the center of an unfolding federal corruption probe involving ComEd and a pay-for-play scheme in which payments and perks where allegedly steered to the state’s longest-serving lawmaker in exchange for his support of certain legislation, voters have now taken to protesting outside of Madigan’s home in hopes that he walks away.
Protesters have included members from several advocacy groups, including the Sunrise Movement's Chicago chapter, which chided Madigan with chants of "no dirty energy" and banners that said: "No dirty energy, no dirty money."
The demonstrations come as Madigan is also under investigation by a special bipartisan state House committee recently convened to delve into his recent conduct to determine if any disciplinary actions are warranted on the part of lawmakers.
Krupa, who formerly ran for Chicago alderman, said it’s all new territory for Madigan.
“I think he’s getting as much pressure as he’s ever seen and it’s coming from all side,” he said. “I feel the scandals of the past have never been picked up by the feds before and maybe that’s what makes this time different. At the end of the day, we don’t need to rely on the state agencies this round, many of which the speaker already has in his back pocket.”
Alerts Sign-up