ALTON - The House of Representatives’ Special Investigating Committee was abruptly paused Tuesday by Democratic Chairman Chris Welch (D-Hillside), halting the legislative investigation into Speaker Mike Madigan’s alleged pay-to-play bribery scheme with ComEd until after the Nov. 3 General Election, giving fodder to Republicans who say House Democrats aren’t serious about ending corruption.
One of three Democratic members on the Committee, State Representative Natalie Manley (D-Joliet), has been a significant contributor to the campaign of Rep. Moncia Bristow (D-Alton) to keep the 111th House District in Democrat control. Manley's committee contributed $57,800 to Bristow's on Sept. 1.
As one of Madigan’s top allies, Manley has stifled the investigative efforts of the Special Investigating Committee, according to a release from Republican challenger to Bristow, Amy Elik of Alton.
“Monica Bristow will remain silent on ethics because she is bought and paid for by Mike Madigan’s campaign money," Elik said in a release. "However, it’s time for Madigan to testify, or resign."
Bristow did not return a phone call seeking comment.
The Special Investigating Committee has only met twice, and has only been allowed to hear testimony from one ComEd witness. Madigan has refused to answer any questions on his involvement, and efforts by House Republicans to pursue subpoenas to question additional witnesses.
“Ethics reform is the most important issue facing the Illinois legislature right now,” Elik stated. “Ballots are being cast every day, and yet Bristow continues to stay silent as her biggest donors resist reform.”
Elik has made ethics reform a central theme in her campaign. She signed a pledge that if elected for the 102nd General Assembly, she will never vote for Madigan for Speaker of the Illinois House.
Bristow's campaign committee continues to rake in big contributions.
The Democratic Majority PAC, controlled by Madigan, dropped $102,000 in cash on Bristow on Tuesday, on top of having provided staff for Bristow's campaign since August. The Democratic Party of Illinois, also controlled by Madigan, is paying for campaign fliers and postage.
Trial lawyers across the state also have answered a call for funds. Clifford Law and Cooney Conway in Chicago, and Keefe, Keefe & Unsell in Swansea are the biggest contributors of late putting down $5,000 each this week.