Chicago City Wire

Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan handpicked someone who owed him for his support as his replacement after 18 terms in the leadership positions, a 41st Ward Republican party official said.

As Madigan announced he wouldn't seek the position, Ammie Kessem, the 41st Ward Republican Committeeman, discussed his replacement.

“Whomever gets it will be handpicked by Madigan himself. He’s not going to let someone take over that isn’t going to feel that they owe Madigan in return for his support,” Kessem told Chicago City Wire. “The only person who will get it is the person Madigan chooses.”

After 18 terms, Mike Madigan ended his campaign for another term as Illinois House Speaker. | Daniel Schwen/Wikimedia Commons

Kessem said that her wish is that the Republicans will be able to take over. 

“In fact, if they allow an extremist liberal like Ann Williams to lead Illinois down that same destructive path, we may just have an opportunity to do that in 2022,” Kessem said. 

What matters most at this time is that Illinois’ voters continue to make their voices heard, she said.

“These politicians serve the people, not the other way around. They must be held accountable for their actions but the only way to ensure that is to take the time to contact them regarding key issues. Filling out witness slips, sending emails, and making phones calls to their offices,” Kessem told Chicago City Wire.

 Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) has withdrawn his bid for his position, eliciting a variety of reactions from observers the Chicago Tribune reported. 

Madigan’s position is being claimed by Rep. Chris Welch (D-Hillside) who was selected via caucus votes by the Illinois House Democrats. 

“House Democrats have chosen to go from Mike Madigan, the most corrupt politician in America, to Rep. Chris Welch, a top Madigan lieutenant who has been credibly accused by multiple women in court documents of harassment, assault, and retaliation,” Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider said, the Illinois GOP reported. “ . . . he’s been a loyal Madigan ally for years but performed most recently as Madigan’s human shield in legislative hearings investigating the sweeping corruption scandal that ultimately brought Madigan down. “

Welch will be the first Black legislator to hold this position. The new House Speaker will be dedicated to working together with both political parties, Welch said, WGN-TV reported.