Illinois Valley Times

State Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) embraces the opportunity for a new beginning that might be coming to Springfield.

“With all the corruption going on in this state, people are demanding change,” she told the Illinois Valley Times. “Everywhere you look, there are grassroots efforts going on to hold elected officials accountable and demand that the status quo is no longer acceptable.”

With House Speaker Mike Madigan now at the center of an unfolding federal corruption probe involving ComEd and a pay-for-play scheme in which payments and perks where allegedly steered to the state’s longest-serving lawmaker in exchange for his support of certain legislation, voters have now taken to protesting outside of Madigan’s home in hopes that he walks away.

Protesters have included members from several advocacy groups, including the Sunrise Movement's Chicago chapter, which chided Madigan with chants of "no dirty energy" and banners that said: "No dirty energy, no dirty money."

The demonstrations come as Madigan is also under investigation by a special bipartisan state House committee recently convened to delve into his recent conduct to determine if any disciplinary actions are warranted on the part of lawmakers.

Rezin is expecting the heat to stay on Madigan.

“I feel all the indications are that the FBI is creating a case that’s centered on Speaker Madigan,” she said. “In the past, he’s had issues, but has always seemed to squeak through. This time the FBI is building a methodical case around corruption and if you look at top people being subpoenaed or talked to its people that seem to know the speaker.”

Rezin said she’s pleased to see the feds become as involved as they are.

“We’ve seen plenty of corruption in this state so I do think the feds being involved is the best way to clean things up,” she added. “It’s been methodical and you can see where they’re trying to go.”