South Cook News

Even as protesters are now gathering for demonstrations outside the Chicago home of state House speaker Mike Madigan, Republican state Senate hopeful Eric Wallace is warning voters things aren’t always the way they seem.

“It may say that people are now fed up with the corruption,” Wallace told the South Cook News. “But we'll see how long it lasts. I wouldn't put it past Madigan to pay people to protest, then when everything has calmed down send everyone home. It keeps the real protesters from showing up.”

With Madigan now at the center of an unfolding federal corruption probe involving ComEd and a pay-for-play scheme in which payments and perks where allegedly steered to the state’s longest-serving lawmaker in exchange for his support of certain legislation, voters have now taken to protesting outside of Madigan’s home in hopes that he walks away.

Protesters have included members from several advocacy groups, including the Sunrise Movement's Chicago chapter, which chided Madigan with chants of "no dirty energy" and banners that said: "No dirty energy, no dirty money."

The demonstrations come as Madigan is also under investigation by a special bipartisan state House committee recently convened to delve into his recent conduct to determine if any disciplinary actions are warranted on the part of lawmakers.

Challenging Democrat Patrick Joyce in the 40th District, Wallace said the way Madigan has been able to rule Springfield now for over four decades screams for the need for term limits in Illinois.

“He's been serving so long,” Wallace added. “I was an undergrad when he was elected to office.”

In the end, Wallace said there is just one major way voters can assure themselves of the change they insist they want to see in Springfield.

“The best thing people can do to send Madigan a message and change leadership is to support Republican candidates,” he said. “If he loses the majority, he won't control the House. If he loses the Senate, it's a slap in his face. He only understands political power, so we need to take it from him through the ballot box.”