Chicago City Wire

Ammie Kessem, 41st Ward Republican committeeman and vice president of the Northwest Side GOP, is slamming a memo from House Speaker Chris Welch’s office offering talking points to protect indicted former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.

“Very typical of the Democrat party here in Illinois. Instead of calling out bad behavior (criminal behavior), they attempt to spin it as some sort of witch hunt by our dedicated men and women in law enforcement,” Kessem, a tactical officer with Chicago Police Department, said. 

Kessem also took to social media to express her agreement to Madigan's indictment: "FINALlY GOT HIM," she said on Twitter and "MADIGAN INDICTED" on Facebook. 

“I think they are going to realize very quickly, this election cycle, that voters are waking up and realizing the truth and their voices are going to be heard this election cycle in a huge red wave!” she said.

House Speaker Chris Welch's office released and then retracted talking points in favor of Madigan after his indictment. Among them read: "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."

Welch who was personally chosen by the former House Speaker to replace him after resigning last year, 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. 

Investigation papers lead to revealing Madigan has been running a racketeering ring involved in a $150 million bribery scandal.

Madigan firmly denied the allegations stating that he was "never involved in any criminal activity" in his 50 years in office. Madigan, who spent 36 years as House speaker, the longest in the country’s history, is accused of using the office for personal gain. "I adamantly deny these accusations and look back proudly on my time as an elected official, serving the people of Illinois," Madigan added.