Kane County Reporter

Republican state House candidate Ben Bierly isn’t expecting much to come from House Speaker Mike Madigan’s possible participation in the Special House committee now probing his conduct.

“While I would expect Madigan will not offer testimony, if he does, I do not expect he will be very forthcoming with any information,” Bierly, who is running against Democrat John Connor in the 43rd House District, told the Kane County Reporter. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Madigan is evasive in such a scenario, and would only give testimony if he believed he could outwit the committee members.”

The state’s longest-serving lawmaker now finds himself at the center of the still unfolding federal probe where prosecutors assert bribes and other perks were regularly steered to him through associates as part of a pay-for-play scheme where he threw his support behind certain legislation.

Even with ComEd having already agreed to pay a $200 million fine over its involvement in the plot, Bierly questions if Springfield lawmakers will have the power to do the job he thinks needs to be done.

“The fact that the committee only requested his presence instead of issuing a subpoena tells me there is heavy disagreement among members about how the committee should proceed and how they intend to actually hold Madigan accountable,” he said. “In a less partisan atmosphere, I would expect to see subpoenas issued. I am concerned about the freedom of the Democrat members. Madigan controls all Democrat moneys. It’s very likely that individuals who don’t play to Madigan’s wishes will not receive the funding they need to run their races for re-election.”

Still, Bierly said he holds out hope the very creation of the committee could be the start of bringing the kind of change to Springfield he thinks is desperately needed.

“I do believe the pressure on Madigan will continue to build though, which will change the direction of this committee over the next several months,” he said.