(Decatur, IL) – The recent sexual harassment allegations against several of Speaker Madigan’s top aides are part of a disturbing pattern of disregard for the victims in these situations, and willingness to protect the political elite.
“The fact that Madigan condoned this behavior is absolutely unacceptable and he should be forced to resign from his positions as Speaker of the House and head of the Democratic Party of Illinois,” said Dan Caulkins, candidate for state representative in District 101.
Madigan took months to fire his longtime aide Kevin Quinn after a consultant informed the Speaker that Quinn had sexually harassed her for months. Just days after Quinn was let go, a second high-ranking operative was removed from Madigan’s political organization for inappropriate behavior.
These scandals come to light after it was revealed that the Speaker failed to appoint someone to the position of legislative inspector general for three years, and allowed dozens of complaints of sexual harassment and misconduct to build up and go unaddressed.
“This has clearly become a pattern for the Speaker,” said Caulkins. “I’ve spent the last few months knocking on doors and talking with hundreds of people in my district; I can tell you that voters are fed up with the corrupt politics and career politicians in Springfield. Democrat or Republican, this behavior must not be tolerated.”