Why are allies of House Speaker Michael Madigan writing checks to an ousted campaign operative? Our politics team of Carol Marin, Paris Schutz and Amanda Vinicky weighs in this week in Spotlight Politics.
Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was first elected to the state legislature in 1970, and since that time he has not only survived – he’s thrived. Madigan is the longest-serving speaker in the nation, and serves as chair of the state Democratic Party.
But it’s increasingly clear that federal investigators have Madigan in their sights.
A Chicago Tribune investigation on Wednesday revealed that some of Madigan’s longtime allies sent checks to Kevin Quinn, the brother of 13th Ward Ald. Marty Quinn.
Kevin Quinn was fired from his job with Madigan’s political operation after former campaign worker Alaina Hampton accused him of relentless sexual advancements in the form of text messages.
While Madigan has since made efforts to overhaul his state and campaign operations in the aftermath of Hampton’s accusations, the Tribune reporting indicates under-the-table support for Kevin Quinn.
Follow us on Twitter: @wttw | @paschutz | @CarolMarin | @AmandaVinicky
Related stories:
Lightfoot’s Ethics, Workplace Initiatives Unanimously Pass City Council
Aldermen Weigh in on Chicago Casino Locations, City Labor Law
Chicago Mayor, Clerk Move to Lighten ‘Crushing’ Vehicle Fines
Illinois GOP Denounces Controversial Facebook Post Amid War of Words
Spotlight Politics: New Investigation of Ex-Alderman with Madigan Ties
