The Republican National Lawyers Association of Illinois is asking why Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul did not become involved before former Illinois house speaker Michal Madigan was indicted by federal investigators.
“Where is Kwame Raoul? Where was Lisa Madigan? 'They assured us all they were strong independent prosecutors,” the Republican National Lawyers Association of Illinois asked.
Raoul is running for re-election. This year charismatic Greenville-based attorney Tom DeVore is hoping to have a run at Raoul, who was a Chicago-based state senator before becoming the state's top attorney.
"The indictment alleges a long-term, multifaceted scheme to use public positions for unlawful private gain. Rooting out and prosecuting the kind of corruption alleged in the indictment will always be a top priority for this office," John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois said.
Madigan, who served Illinois as the longest speaker of the House was alleged to have been involved in a $150 million bribery scandal, according to several investigation papers. He was recently indicted with 22 counts of racketeering conspiracy.
While no name was specified in the indictment papers, it mentioned that "MADIGAN explained that he would assist Alderman A in obtaining an appointment to a State board by “go[ing] to [the future Governor of the State of Illinois].
Gov. J.B. Pritzker didn't fully deny those accusations. “The governor does not recall Michael Madigan ever asking him to consider Danny Solis for any position," a Pritzker spokesman said in a statement.
Madigan denied having been "involved in any criminal activity” in his 50 years in office. “I adamantly deny these accusations and look back proudly on my time as an elected official, serving the people of Illinois,” Madigan said in a statement. Madigan, who spent 36 years as a House Speaker, is accused of using the office for personal gain and was alleged to have conspired with former Commonwealth Edison lobbyist and Quincy native Michael McClain.
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