Chicago City Wire

Republican political strategist Chris Robling can still smell the stench emanating from Springfield.

“Mike Madigan's day is done, but the harm he did will live on to injure Illinois and all of our residents for decades to come,” Robling told Chicago City Wire. “This is a day of reckoning because we now have to sort through all the damage he’s done to every Illinois family.”

After nearly four decades of Madigan being in power as House Speaker, lawmakers moved during the lame-duck session to install state Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch (D-Hillside) as his successor, leaving Madigan to deal with his reported role in a still-unfolding federal corruption probe involving ComEd and alleged a pay-for-play scheme where all the perks were apparently steered to him exchange for favorable legislation.

For some Republican lawmakers, Welch’s installation likewise raises concerns, with many pointing to his close ties to Madigan that include him recently and quickly ending the work of a special Executive House Committee convened to look into Madigan’s role in the ComEd scandal despite a flood of objections from Republicans.

“Who knows what powers Madigan may still have behind the scenes,” Robling added. “I will say I have no confidence in the Democrat Party without real reform. This is the same party that empowered and animated Madigan against Illinois families for all these years.”

As for Welch, the veteran lawmaker has also faced multiple accusations in court documents of harassing, assaulting and retaliating against women, prompting Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider to question how much will truly be different in Springfield under his rule.

“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,” he said. “It’s now clear that House Democrats are doubling down on allowing Madigan’s corrupt machine to continue running state government.”