Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan | File Photo
Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan | File Photo
David Krupa is predicting the future of longtime House Speaker Mike Madigan, and thinks he has it almost down to a science.
“I think this is the end for him,” Krupa told Chicago City Wire, “Think about it, the feds are continuing their investigation for a reason and he’s the only one left to indict. All his friends and confidantes have already been indicted and there’s no one left to get but him. I expect that it’ll happen before Christmas.”
Krupa argues the fact that as many as 18 democratic lawmakers are now insisting they have no intentions of supporting his reelection efforts also speak to how much the noose is tightening. The state’s longest tenured lawmaker, Madigan is suspected of being a central figure in a pay-for-play scheme involving ComEd where all the perks were allegedly steered to him in exchange for favorable legislation.
More recently, four individuals with close ties to him were indicted in connection with the scheme, including longtime pal and local lobbyist Michael McClain, who counts bribery among the charges he faces.
“It’s encouraging to see how many democrats are stepping forward to do the right thing,” said Krupa.
“I just hope there are no backdoor deals to give the speakership to a Madigan loyalist or some other kind of shady dealing. It’s looking like it’s going to be an uphill battle for Madigan to hold onto the Speakership and I’m calling on all the others to get on the right side of history by standing up to him," said Krupa.
No matter what happens, Krupa states that he doesn’t expect to see Madigan just walk away.
“Maybe it’s not his nature to be loud, but at the same time he’s not the type to just lie down,” said Krupa.
Even if Madigan is shown the door, Krupa doesn’t expect all Springfield’s problems to magically disappear.
“Mike Madigan may be the head but he’s not the only one benefitting from all the corruption,” said Krupa, “No matter what, we have to be vigilant.”