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.