Metro East Sun

Newly-elected Rep. David Friess (R-Red Bud) wonders how much he can truly hope to see change in Springfield over the short term.

“With Mike Madigan finally being out as House Speaker, I don't know that anything will change in Springfield due to the fact we went from one liberal democrat to another,” Friess told the Metro East Sun. “I hope Madigan actually steps aside, but I suspect his tentacles of influence will remain.”

Lawmakers in Springfield recently banded together to show Madigan the door as House Speaker, ending his nearly 40-year run by installing state Rep. Emmanuel “Chris” Welch (D-Hillside) as his successor, WGN reported.

Former Illinois State House Speaker Mike Madigan | Stock image

The dramatic shakeup comes as the state’s longest-serving lawmaker now finds himself at the center of a still unfolding federal corruption probe involving ComEd and a pay-for-play scheme where all the perks are alleged to have been steered to him in exchange for favorable legislation.

“I believe the difference this time and Madigan not getting enough support is the ongoing federal bribery investigation and the associated allegations leveled against Madigan,” Friess said.

Still, Friess expects that Madigan’s power and influence figures to still be felt in Springfield and across the state.

“I believe it may take years for Illinois to recover from all the damage Madigan has caused because it will take years for his influence to fade from the state legislature,” he told the Metro East Sun. “I look forward to doing my part in moving this state forward.”

Given Welch's close ties to Madigan, Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider has doubts about the new speaker being the right man to clean up Springfield’s mess, the Illinois GOP reported. That's especially true given his own troubles, which include multiple accusations in court documents of harassing, assaulting and retaliating against women.

“House Democrats have chosen to go from Mike Madigan, the most corrupt politician in America, to Rep. Chris Welch, a top Madigan lieutenant who has been credibly accused by multiple women in court documents of harassment, assault, and retaliation,” he said, the Illinois GOP reported. “It’s now clear that House Democrats are doubling down on allowing Madigan’s corrupt machine to continue running state government.”