Metro East Sun

Doug Jameson doesn’t put much stock in House Speaker Mike Madigan’s admission of guilt.

“I don’t find it to be sincere in the least bit,” Jameson told the Metro East Sun. “I just think he knows it’s an election year and he’s trying to save face and win votes.”

Madigan recently penned an op-ed in the Chicago Tribune where he admitted he hasn’t done enough to quell sexual harassment in Springfield.

Rep. Jay Hoffman

The longtime lawmaker recently came under fire as revelations detailing how several members of his inner-circle acted inappropriately.

Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie), who once doubled as one of Madigan’s top deputies, was forced to relinquish his leadership post after being accused of “inappropriate behavior” by an associate, and Tim Mapes, Madigan's former chief of staff, was fired amid allegations of bullying and harassment.

“It’s not a defense for him to say he knew nothing about any of this going on because he should have,” said Jameson, who is running against Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) for the 113th House District seat. “It’s his organization and he rules with an iron hand.”

Madigan now pledges to have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to abusive behavior, which Jameson sees as nothing more than a strategic calculation, he said.

“Talking to voters one of the other biggest issues for them are property taxes,” he said. “Under Madigan, Illinois’ property taxes have skyrocketed to among the highest in the country. So, on his watch and with Jay Hoffman by his side, it’s been an assault on women and homeowners and I think all of this is part of a feeble attempt to make amends.”

Democratic operative Alaina Hampton accused top aide Kevin Quinn in February of sending her inappropriate text messages leading to his ouster. Since then, Madigan claims he has met with more than 100 women in hopes of figuring out how he could do a better job making sure they feel protected in the workplace. 

“He could start with just doing his job,” Jameson said.

The 113th House District includes Madison and St. Clair counties.