Metro East Sun

The following announcement was issued on July 30.

Springfield, IL – State Representative candidates Amy Elik, Lisa Ciampoli, and David Friess released the following statements regarding the ongoing corruption scandal surrounding House Speaker Michael Madigan and State Representatives Monica Bristow (IL-111), Katie Stuart (IL-112), Nathan Reitz’s (IL-116), continued silence on the matter as their Democratic legislative colleagues call for Madigan’s resignation.

"It’s impossible to reform Illinois as long as Speaker Madigan remains in power,” said Amy Elik, state representative candidate for the 111th district. 

“Speaker Madigan continues to block any chance of ethics reform, property tax reform, and term limits, and Monica Bristow is a willing conspirator by remaining silent.”  

“The people are demanding change to how Springfield operates,” said Lisa Ciampoli, state representative candidate for the 112th district. “Speaker Madigan has a clear conflict of interest to continue serving as speaker. It’s time for him to step down, and for Katie Stuart to stop playing follow the leader by remaining silent on the matter.” 

“Speaker Madigan cannot lead the House of Representatives, and must resign,” said David Friess, state representative candidate for the 116th district. “It’s time for Nathan Reitz to end his silence and let his constituents know if he’s with them or Speaker Madigan.”

This incident is not the first-time area state representatives failed to speak out. 

When WBEZ covered the story alleging a “powerful former Springfield lobbyist and close friend of House Speaker Madigan” covered up a rape in Champaign and ghost payrolling of government workers, State Representatives Bristow, Stuart, and Reitz failed to hold Madigan accountable.

Alaina Hampton, the individual who sued and settled with Madigan’s operation for sexual harassment, noted in a July 26, 2019 tweet to the Democratic Women’s Caucus, saying:“I’ve now been waiting a year & a half for you to support me publicly, or even address me by name in a statement. 

Where are you? 

What is your stance? 

We all want to know.

”Why are Representatives Bristow, Reitz, and Stuart among the few House Democrats yet to speak out on Speaker Madigan?