Chambana Sun

State Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet) said former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan "ruled with an iron fist which has effectively destroyed a once great state." 

Madigan, who served as Illinois House Speaker for 36 years, was convicted on 10 counts of conspiracy, bribery, and wire fraud related to corrupt schemes involving the state's largest utility, ComEd.

Rose blamed Madigan’s leadership for Illinois’ decline, arguing that his long reign hindered the state’s prosperity and led to long-term consequences that have been detrimental to its future.

Rose represents the 51st Senate District, which includes all or parts of McLean, DeWitt, Macon, Piatt, Shelby, Moultrie, Douglas, Champaign, Vermilion, and Edgar counties in Central Illinois.

Madigan’s trial revealed his use of political power for personal gain, including securing jobs for political allies in exchange for legislative support. 

Some argue these actions were emblematic of a broader culture of corruption that plagued Illinois throughout Madigan's leadership, with over 2,100 convictions for corruption during his tenure.

Despite Madigan’s departure from office in 2021, his legacy of corruption continues to haunt Illinois, with 59 convictions tied to the state’s political system in 2023 alone.

Madigan’s control over the state’s legislative districts through gerrymandering allowed him to enforce policies that led to rising taxes and borrowing, driving many residents out of Illinois.

According to Illinois Policy, Madigan’s long tenure was defined by corruption, fiscal mismanagement, and rising state debt. 

His control over the budget and pension system contributed to the nation’s worst pension crisis and a near-junk credit rating for Illinois. Madigan pushed for generous pension benefits for public employees, including lawmakers, without adequate funding, resulting in soaring pension debt.