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WGLT's reporting on the November 2020 election cycle.

Democrats From McLean County Sign Letter Calling On Madigan To Step Down

Madigan at a podium
John O'Connor
/
AP
Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, who is also leader of the Democratic Party of Illinois.

Several McLean County Board and Bloomington City Council members are calling for Michael Madigan to step down as Illinois House speaker and leader of the Democratic Party of Illinois.

At least three council members and five Democratic County Board members have signed a letter titled, “A Call for New Leadership for the Democratic Party of Illinois.” They include:

  • Sharon Chung, McLean County Board Member, Democrat
  • Elizabeth Johnston, McLean County Board Member, Democrat
  • Logan Smith, McLean County Board Member, Democrat
  • Shayna Watchinski, McLean County Board Member, Democrat
  • Laurie Wollrab, McLean County Board Member, Democrat
  • Jennifer Carrillo, Bloomington City Council Member
  • Jeff Crabill, Bloomington City Council Member
  • Julie Emig, Bloomington City Council Member

Madigan, who is both speaker and leader of the party, was recently implicated in a long-running bribery scheme that led to a criminal charge against the utility ComEd. Madigan was a prime investigative subject in the case, though he has not been charged and has denied any wrongdoing.
Those signing the ILDem Leaders For New Leadership letter say they are not “commenting here on guilt or innocence in the legal sense.” But they say too much is at stake in the November election—including the graduated income tax constitutional amendment—to leave Madigan in charge.

“It has become clear due to the ongoing corruption scandal that Michael Madigan’s leadership is threatening Illinois Democrats’ ability to achieve these goals,” the letter reads.

“Illinois Democrats are strong,” it continues. “We support the brave women in the General Assembly who called for new leadership before we did. We know when this anchor is lifted, our people and our ideas will rebuild our state. We urge Michael Madigan to do right by the people of Illinois and step down from his roles as Speaker and as Chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois.”

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Ryan Denham is the digital content director for WGLT.
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