Will County Gazette

Veteran Illinois state Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) breathes a sign of relief thinking about what he believes is almost certainly to come next in Springfield.

“Mike Madigan is done, the end of his reign is over,” Batincik told the Will County Gazette. 

“When everything is said and done, I really don’t think he has the votes to move forward as House Speaker," said Batinick.

Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan | File Photo

Batinick is confident enough of the 18 democratic lawmakers now insisting they have no intentions of supporting his reelection efforts mean what they say to make all the difference.

“I think we can take what they’re saying at face value,” said Batinick, “That a tough thing to come out and say and then try to say you didn’t mean it. I think if Madigan were smart he would be planning his exit strategy.”

Batinick argues it’s been a long time coming.

The state’s longest tenured lawmaker, Madigan now finds himself at the center of a still unfolding federal corruption probe involving ComEd and a pay-for-play scandal where all the perks were allegedly steered to him in exchange for favorable legislation.

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

No matter what comes of it all, Batinick stated he doesn’t expect to see Madigan walk away easily.

“He’s not going to quit,” said Batinick, “He’s still going to be Mike Madigan to the end.”

Finally, Batinick said it remains to be seen if simply showing Madigan the door will be enough to spark the kind of reform meaning many feel is now desperately needed in Springfield.

“It depends on who follows him in power as the new leader...No matter what, we have to keep advocating for reform and keep voters engaged enough that are demands our heard and understood," said Batinick.