South Cook News

State Rep. Brad Stephens (R-Rosemont) is calling for ethics reform after House Speaker Chris Welch’s (D-Westchester) office released and then retracted talking points in favor of former speaker Michael Madigan after his indictment. 

Stephens, who said during his campaign that he wants 'to protect his neighborhoods from the corrupt south side politics of Mike Madigan,' speaks his mind about the disavowed memo. 

“Ending corruption in Illinois means elected officials need to be held to the highest ethical standards," Stephens said on Facebook. "Democrats need to stop dragging their feet on real ethics reform in our state so we can end the practices that kept Mike Madigan in control for decades and finally put the people of Illinois first.”

Welch's office said there was an earlier version of the talking points that was not approved but was erroneously sent out. The memo asked the Democrats to support 79-year old Madigan and Welch too. One talking point read, “Despite my misgivings regarding this case, I want to reiterate that Speaker Welch has my full support. Our legislative accomplishments since he has taken the lead, including a major Medicaid Reform and the landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, are undoubtedly victories to be proud of.”  

"For years, our opponents across the aisle have focused their ire and prejudicial scrutiny on Speaker Madigan, to little effect," one retracted statement read. "However, their constant accusations have finally had an impact; the federal government has buckled under their pressure."

Welch chaired the special investigative committee that probed the ComEd bribery scandal and Madigan's conduct. He shut down the investigation and according to WBEZ was accused of protecting Madigan, who later on handpicked him to be his successor.

"You’re going through excruciating lengths to protect Michael J. Madigan from ever having to testify to his nefarious behavior," Rep. Grant Wehrli (R-Naperville) told Welch at the time, according to WGN 9.

According to Illinois Policy, documents later pointed to Madigan as allegedly running a racketeering ring involving a $150 million bribery scandal.