Kane County Reporter

Former republican House candidate, Jeanette Ward, is elated to see democracy finally arrive in Springfield at the same place she thinks everyone else has longed for when it comes to House Speaker Mike Madigan.

“I am excited and encouraged that democrats now recognize he’s no longer fit to lead in government,” Ward told the Kane County Reporter.

“I know nothing can be taken at face value in Springfield but between what the democrats are saying and court system I’m hoping this could really be the end for Madigan," said Ward.

Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan | File Photo

With Madigan now at the center of a still ongoing federal corruption involving ComEd and a pay-for-play scandal, where all the perks were allegedly steered to the state’s longest tenured lawmaker in exchange for favorable legislation, at least 18 democratic lawmakers have now stepped forward to claim they have no intention of supporting his reelection campaign.

More recently, four Madigan associates were indicted in connection with the scheme, including longtime pal and local lobbyist Michael McClain, who counts bribery among the charges he faces.

Ward, who narrowly lost her 25th District race to incumbent state Sen. Karina Villa by less than a point, warns simply showing Madigan the door won’t be enough to reform Springfield all on its own.

“It’s going to be difficult to clean up everything by just forcing Madigan out,” said Ward, “Democrats still have the supermajority and the governor’s office so all the corruption doesn’t just disappear with Madigan being gone.”

A former member of the School District U-46 Board of Education, Ward finished with 49.4% of the vote and is already chartering her next move.

 “I will always defend freedom, faith and family, whether as an elected official or private citizen...and freedom, faith and family are under siege in Illinois," said Ward.