On Wednesday morning, a federal jury found former Illinois Speaker of the House Michael J. Madigan guilty on several counts of bribery conspiracy, bribery, and wire fraud. Upon hearing the verdict, State Senator Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) issued the following statement:
“Madigan’s conviction is a dark moment in our state’s history, but it’s also an opportunity for change. It’s time for all 177 legislators in the Illinois Senate and House to come together and do the right thing. We must pass comprehensive reforms that include independent oversight and tougher ethics laws, to ensure no one can ever amass the kind of unchecked power Madigan held.”