Madigan has long been criticized for his control of a lucrative law firm specializing in Cook County property tax appeals.

Many things have changed in state government during the past 36 years. Madigan has held constant.

The longtime speaker has held the gavel for 34 of the past 36 years, and maintains procedural powers unheard of in other states.

After sweeping victories for Illinois Democrats in November, Mike Madigan is all but assured an 18th term as speaker of the House of Representatives when new members are sworn in Jan. 9. Madigan has already broken the record for longest-serving state legislative speaker in U.S. history.

It’s understandable that Illinoisans complain about longstanding “Democrat rule” in the state legislature. But the real problem might be more about personnel than partisanship.

Illinois House Rep.-elect Anne Stava-Murray is making an unprecedented call to dump the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history.

The speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives remains a key campaign issue despite national headlines.

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.

Long before his General Assembly failed to pass a balanced budget, House Speaker Mike Madigan’s spin machine was churning.