Chicago City Wire

Activist Jeffrey Carter is calling for an overhaul of the state’s leadership, which he describes as "corrupt," after House Speaker Chris Welch’s office sent out a memo defending indicted former House Speaker Michael Madigan. 

Carter named Gov. J.B. Pritzker as one of the corrupt Democratic leaders.  

“None of this is a surprise to anyone who has been paying attention. John Tillman of Illinois Policy made a movie you can watch at MichaelMadigan.com years ago,” Carter told Chicago City Wire. "The Illinois Democratic Party and anyone who voted Democratic all these years own this, including the current speaker. It’s on them. Madigan was corrupt and they looked the other way, right on up to the current governor who is corrupt without any honor at all. His property tax scam was unconscionable in a state with the second-highest property taxes in the U.S."

Madigan was indicted by a federal grand jury on 22 counts for allegedly using his position to "corruptly solicit and receive personal financial rewards for himself and his associates," according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of Illinois.

“The former Democratic leader of the Senate, John Cullerton is as corrupt as Madigan. Alderman Ed Burke, corrupt. Mayor Daley, corrupt,” Carter said. “If they had any sense of decency, they would all resign. Whom in Democratic leadership isn’t corrupt is a better question?”

Welch’s office released and then retracted talking points in favor of Madigan after his indictment. One statement was a guide for Democrats to say, "While I always stand with law enforcement, I unfortunately feel I must call into question certain aspects of the investigation process regarding Speaker Madigan’s case. From the start, he has faced unfair, partisan accusations; charges which appear to have influenced the indictments.”

Other items in the memo stated: "For years, our opponents across the aisle have focused their ire and prejudicial scrutiny on Speaker Madigan, to little effect. However, their constant accusations have finally had an impact; the federal government has buckled under their pressure." It also required Democrats to show full support to Welch by saying, "Our legislative accomplishments since he has taken the lead are undoubtedly victories to be proud of." 

Welch, also a Democrat, was Madigan’s handpicked successor. The current House speaker was accused of protecting Madigan in 2020 after closing a probe into the ComEd bribery scandal. Welch was the chairman of the special committee investigating Madigan’s behavior.

"You’re going through excruciating lengths to protect Michael J. Madigan from ever having to testify to his nefarious behavior," Rep. Grant Wehrli (R-Naperville) said at the time. 

Madigan was indicted for running a racketeering ring involved in a $150 million bribery scandal, which he denied saying he was "never involved in any criminal activity." 

"I adamantly deny these accusations and look back proudly on my time as an elected official, serving the people of Illinois," Madigan said.