Speaker of the House, Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, remains strong in spite of recent allegations.

Speaker of the House Mike Madigan, D-Chicago, is holding steady while allegations concerning misused state money throw more wrenches in the political machine.

GOP Chairman Gary MacDougal voiced his concern about the Democratic Party, urging state democratic leaders to take charge of their party.

Advertisement

“There were some allegations concerning our former chairman and Ryan called on him,” said Terri Hickey, spokeswoman for the Illinois Republican Party. “We publicly cleaned up our problems and we feel that the Democrats should do the same thing.”

Madigan, however, remains virtually unfazed by the allegations and still holds a positive outlook for the Democrats in November.

“Nobody’s going to resign,” said Steve Brown, spokesman for Mike Madigan. “It looks like the Democrats are going to do well in November and clean it up.”

The allegations are thin according to Brown. Madigan has been accused of using state employees for political purposes and using state money for private projects. Brown pointed out that the problems currently facing the Republican Party are much more serious.

“Their problems are very serious and grave,” Brown said. “They’re trying to create the illusion that the Democrats’ [problems] are as well.”

Madigan’s daughter, Sen. Lisa Madigan, D-Chicago, made comment on the allegations toward her father and said that she believes they should be investigated but that he should not step down from his position.

“Lisa Madigan gave the wrong answer because she was in a box,” said Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro. “She should have been impartial and let the feds handle it but she can’t – it’s her dad.”

Advertisement*

Hickey said that the lack of concern within the Democratic Party is a problem that the Republican Party doesn’t have.

“There’s this black cloud that just keeps getting darker and nobody’s doing anything,” Hickey said. “They just kinda look the other way.”

Brown said that it’s simply muck-raking being exercised.

“They’re just trying to muddy us up,” Brown said. “His record is quite contrary to the allegations.”

In the end, however, it is up to the voters to decide what party they trust more and Hickey feels that the Republican Party has made enough positive moves to cater to the Illinois voter.

“We’re in a climate right now where the voters are demanding change,” Hickey said. “Voters are concerned about public corruption and we have demonstrated that we are committed to cleaning up state government.”

Reporter Arin Thompson can be reached at [email protected]