Metro East Sun

As controversy continues to swirl around embattled House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago), Republican state House candidate Amy Elik has a simple philosophy when it comes to the best way to go about reforming Springfield.

“In order to change ‘business as usual’ in Springfield, we must elect new representatives who are truly working for the people and not themselves,” Elik told the Metro East Sun.

Running against incumbent state Rep. Monica Bristow (D-Alton) in the 111th District, Elik knows that’s much easier said than done, particularly amid news Madigan recently raised upwards of $555,000 in a single-day fundraiser that came just weeks after he was implicated in a still ongoing federal corruption probe involving ComEd and a pay-for-play scheme.

As chair of at least four political groups, Madigan is now reported to have nearly $23 million in his political coffers, at least partly accounting for the informal title he holds in the eyes of many as the most powerful man in state politics.

“Speaker Madigan's years of control over every bill that gets heard in the legislature has gained him favor from lobbyists, large corporations, special interests, and unions,” Elik added. “He has been able to make the rules that have given him even more of an advantage. Sadly this means the people of the state are the ones on the losing end.”

Several media outlets have reported at least some of Madigan’s vast political war chest has gone to him legally defending himself and his organization, including a sexual harassment allegation that was ultimately settled.

Again, Elik takes issue.

“Politicians should not be able to use campaign funds for legal bills for their personal indiscretions, harassment cases, and accusations of personal misbehavior, such as corruption and bribery charges,” she said. “Perhaps politicians would behave ethically if they knew they would have to spend their personal funds to defend themselves when they behave badly.”