Illinois Valley Times

State Sen. Sue Rezin dreams of how Springfield may finally be different.

“I think the circle is closing in on Mike Madigan and apparently all the support he’s had is starting to waver,” Rezin told Illinois Valley Times. 

“I think in the past he’s always found a way to come through difficult situations like this, but it’s difficult to see how that can happen this time," said Rezin.

Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan | Stock Photo

Rezin has at least 18 new reasons for all her optimism. Thus far, that’s the number of democratic lawmakers vowing not to support his reelection run as House Speaker.

As the state’s longest tenured lawmaker’s problems don’t end there, Madigan now finds himself at the center of an ongoing federal corruption probe involving ComEd and a pay-for-play scheme where all the perks were allegedly steered to him in exchange for favorable legislation.

More recently, four individuals with close ties to Madigan were indicted in connection with the scheme, including longtime pal and local lobbyist Michael McClain, who counts bribery among the charges he faces.

No matter what comes next, Rezin states she doesn’t see Madigan walking away easily.

“I’m sure that he is reaching out to members of his party to solidify his base and supply pressure to those that may be wavering...You know it because it’s always what’s happened in the past," said Rezin.

Rezin explained that she worries that even if Madigan is shown the door as House Speaker his influence may still be felt across Springfield.

“He’ll still have his organization in place and the strength he’s built from that over all these years should not be underestimated,” said Rezin, “Who knows, he may even spend time trying to work on a plan that will allow him to regain that power. You just never know.”