Madigan nears title of longest-serving House speaker in U.S. history
Madigan nears title of longest-serving House speaker in U.S. history
Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan told reporters he has “overwhelming support” to be re-elected to his longtime post come January. Another two-year term would bring his total tenure as speaker of the House to 34 years.
By Austin Berg
Madigan’s millions: Why the speaker should release his tax returns
Madigan’s millions: Why the speaker should release his tax returns
Every dollar Madigan earns back for his corporate clients makes someone else’s property-tax bill go up.
By Austin Berg
Madigan loses his supermajority in Illinois House
Madigan loses his supermajority in Illinois House
Illinois voters sent a clear message to the longtime House speaker Nov. 8: “enough.”
By Austin Berg
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel used private email account to talk with Clinton campaign
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel used private email account to talk with Clinton campaign
WikiLeaks latest revelations show Emanuel tried to get top staffer a job inside the Clinton campaign. Government at all levels must be transparent and accessible to the public. The use of private email accounts flouts efforts to hold government accountable and expose corruption.
By Brendan Bakala
Corruption Watch
Corruption Watch
October’s headlines featured backroom deals and financial mismanagement, all at taxpayers’ expense.
Group that blocked independent redistricting reform contributed $6.6M to Madigan-controlled political organizations
Group that blocked independent redistricting reform contributed $6.6M to Madigan-controlled political organizations
Since 1994, members of The People’s Map — which sued to keep a legislative map reform amendment off Illinois’ November ballot — and their employers have given over $6.6 million to Friends of Michael J. Madigan, the Democratic Majority and the Democratic Party of Illinois, which House Speaker Mike Madigan chairs.
By Eric Kohn
Members of the Illinois House of Representatives who give Madigan ultimate power
Members of the Illinois House of Representatives who give Madigan ultimate power
Illinoisans don’t vote to make Madigan the speaker of the House. That job belongs to their representatives.
By Austin Berg
‘Lockbox’ question an insult to Illinois voters
‘Lockbox’ question an insult to Illinois voters
The flexibility to use these large, transportation-related revenue sources for other emergencies is crucial.
By Austin Berg
Chicago politicians angry over losing World Series ticket perk
Chicago politicians angry over losing World Series ticket perk
A new ethics ruling prohibits aldermen from getting World Series tickets at face value — a perk not afforded to most of the public.
The cost of crossing Madigan
The cost of crossing Madigan
Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s election to the speaker position in 16 of the last 17 legislative sessions is a testament to the loyalty he demands from his Democratic colleagues.
By Eric Kohn
Leaked Clinton emails display Madigan’s power ahead of documentary release
Leaked Clinton emails display Madigan’s power ahead of documentary release
Madigan rules Illinois with an iron grip. And failure to follow through on a favor can come with dire consequences.
By Austin Berg
Chicago alderman wants to limit trick-or-treating due to creepy clowns
Chicago alderman wants to limit trick-or-treating due to creepy clowns
Despite the city’s impending teachers strike, unaffordable pension debt and declining population, a Chicago alderman warns against late night trick-or-treating for fear of clowns.
By Brendan Bakala
The Illinoisans who vote for Madigan
The Illinoisans who vote for Madigan
Just as Illinoisans elect state representatives, state representatives elect the speaker of the House every two years. To become the speaker, Madigan just needs a majority vote.
By Austin Berg
Madigan’s army: Power through patronage
Madigan’s army: Power through patronage
Illinoisans have the lowest trust in state government of any state in the nation.
By Austin Berg