Metro East Sun

Veteran state Sen. Jason Plummer (R-Shelbyville) is pointing an accusatory finger at all of Springfield.

“The problem in Illinois is not one person,” Plummer said. "It is a culture of corruption. It is systemic. It is certain politicians, lobbyists and organizations that feed off the corruption and protect its king -- (former House Speaker) Mike Madigan.”

Plummer views the work of the Special House Committee recently convened to look into the state’s longest-tenured lawmaker’s role in the still unfolding  scandal involving ComEd as yet another example of what he sees. 

The six-member bipartisan panel recently pulled the plug on its probe after hearing from just one witness and not issuing a subpoena ordering Madigan to appear before the panel for questioning. During the only committee meeting members gathered for in months, most of their time was spent arguing over process before members moved to arrive at a deadlocked vote that played out completely along party lines.

“Dozens of people need to go away, not one,” Plummer added. “We must do everything we can to restore Illinoisans’ faith in their government and make sure that government is accountable to them, not special interests and those willing to participate in this shameful game.”

 Now in power for roughly the last four decades, in the ComEd case Madigan is accused of engaging in a pay-for-play scheme where it’s alleged all the perks were steered to him through intermediaries in exchange for favorable legislation. A grand jury recently returned indictments against four former ComEd executives in connection with the probe as well as longtime lobbyist Michael McClain, who has known ties to Madigan.

“It’s sad that Illinois government is the punch-line to so many jokes,” Plummer added. “Inept. Corrupt. Unaccountable. What has happened to Illinois is not funny.”