Chicago City Wire

Republican activist David Krupa is ready to campaign for anyone he thinks he has to if it means taking down longtime House Speaker Mike Madigan.

“That has to be the game plan,” Krupa told Chicago City Wire. “We’ve got to coalesce around any plan that gives us the best chance of sending Madigan packing. We need as much support as we can get when it comes to getting the job done.”

Krupa, who formerly ran for Chicago alderman, said that could mean supporting state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) in her run against the state’s longest-tenured lawmaker. Kifowit, who has called for Madigan to step down after he was implicated in an ongoing federal corruption probe involving ComEd, recently launched her run by directly contrasting herself with the longtime speaker.

Krupa can already see himself coming on board to back her.

“I admit I don’t know much about her record, but I’m sure anyone would be better than Madigan,” he said. “I would encourage any Republican in the state House to vote for her over Madigan. Corruption is hurting this state more than any policy position and that all leads back to Speaker Madigan.”

Kifowit is staging her run despite having accepted nearly $800,000 in campaign contributions since 2013 from accounts Madigan controls as House speaker. Krupa said he finds Kifowit taking such a position to be commendable.

“We all know Mike Madigan needs to go for the good of this state,” he said. “For Illinois to have any chance of getting back on track, we have to see that happen. That’s what’s best for Illinois, rather you’re a Democrat or a Republican, that’s what needs to happen for the good of everyone.”