House hopeful Mike Babcock says in light of the recent controversy over House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago), new ideas and new blood are crucially needed in Springfield.
The Republican House candidate from Bethalto told the Metro East Sun that since Madigan has come under pressure from woman's rights organizations and legislators of both political parties for ignoring a harassment complaint from one of his campaign workers involving Madigan political aide Kevin Quinn, it is time for the four-decade leader to leave Springfield.
“The woman produced over 70 text messages replete with unwanted advances,” Babcock said, adding records confirm the complaints were forwarded to Madigan more than three months ago. “He decided to fire Quinn upon hearing rumors of the victim taking her story to the press.”
Babcock, who is vying for the seat held by Rep. Monica Bristow (D-Godfrey), brought up a separate matter regarding Quinn's estranged wife who sent a letter to Madigan more than six months ago seeking assistance in alleged domestic violence in her marriage.
Quinn recently was arrested for violating a protective restraining order filed by his wife, according to Chicago media reports.
“Political operative Kevin Quinn's treatment of women is disgusting and the warning signs about his behavior were everywhere," Babcock said. "Speaker Madigan is out of touch and turned a blind eye. He should immediately resign as speaker of the House and as head of the Illinois Democratic Party."
Babcock, who is running in the 111th House District that includes Alton and Wood River in Madison County, said Madigan’s behavior is not isolated, arguing that Bristow is also guilty of turning a blind eye.
“If Monica Bristow is just going to go to Springfield to always side with Mike Madigan and throw her constituents under the bus, she, too, mishandled this situation,” Babcock said, adding the archaic manner of cover up must end. “He (Madigan) needs to resign and if Monica does not ask him to resign from his position then maybe she needs to consider stepping down and allowing someone like myself to vote him out of his speaker position.”
Babcock is offering Bristow the chance to join the call for Madigan to step down.
"Today I'm publicly calling on my opponent, Monica Bristow, to join me in calling for Madigan's resignation," Babcock said, adding Rep. Scott Drury (D-Highwood) has demanded Madigan resign. “Yet, Rep. Bristow remains silent. Monica's silence speaks volumes."
Babcock cited Madigan’s career, noting “he has served in the House since 1971, making him the longest-serving leader of any state or federal legislative body in the history of the United States,” and said under Madigan's direction, there has been a culture of quiet collusion as victims are ignored and unacceptable behavior is tolerated.
“The leadership in Springfield failed to protect women and failed to police itself,” Babcock said, adding until 2017, the legislative inspector general's office sat vacant for three years. “This office is responsible for investigating complaints of violations of any law, rule or regulation or abuse of authority or other forms of misconduct by members of the General Assembly and state employees under the jurisdiction of the Legislature.”
New blood and bravery will bring change, he said, “by electing people who will hold politicians and employees accountable for their actions.
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