Younger Americans unfamiliar with Watergate are not likely to know that Republican leaders in Washington had a “little talk” with President Richard Nixon when it became apparent that impeachment was unavoidable.
Democrat leaders in Illinois need to have a talk like that with House Speaker and State Democrat Party Chairman Michael Madigan. It might go something like this:
“We’re sorry to have to tell you this, Mike, but it’s over. It’s time to go. We know you’re a fighter and you’ve survived plenty of scandals before, with our support, but your luck’s run out and we can’t support you anymore. You need to resign – the sooner, the better.”
Like Nixon, Madigan could then pretend to be statesmanlike and do the right thing.
But will he? That’s impossible to say, because, so far as we know, Democrat leaders in Illinois have yet to recognize the severity of his predicament, summon the courage to confront him about it, and have that “little talk” about cutting his and their losses – and minimizing the turmoil for our state – with a speedy exit.
To their credit, some Democrat state legislators have publicly called for Madigan’s resignation, thereby risking the loss of his “moral” and financial support in the upcoming election. Their Republican opponents, needless to say, have been more vocal.
"It’s impossible to reform Illinois as long as Speaker Madigan remains in power,” says Republican candidate Amy Elik of Alton, who’s seeking to replace Democrat State Rep. Monica Bristow, who has Madigan’s money to thank for her seat.
“Speaker Madigan continues to block any chance of ethics reform, property tax reform, and term limits, and Monica Bristow is a willing conspirator by remaining silent.”
Running against Madigan-backed Democrat State Rep. Katie Stuart of Edwardsville, Republican candidate Lisa Ciampoli says that “Speaker Madigan has a clear conflict of interest to continue serving as speaker. It’s time for him to step down, and for Katie Stuart to stop playing follow the leader by remaining silent on the matter.”
Speak up or stay mum? That could be the hardest decision Democrat state legislators have ever had to make.