Will County Gazette

House Republican Majority has issued the following press release:

Plainfield, IL- Despite startling revelations that led to investigations, indictments, and arrests by federal law enforcement last year and Madigan arraigned on a new public corruption charge this week, Democratic perennial candidate for the Illinois House Harry Benton still refuses to donate the over $600,000 he received from Madigan and his committees to charity, a practice often done when a committee receives funds from a questionable source.

“Harry Benton should do everything possible to distance himself from corrupt actors, but instead continues to stay silent on Madigan,” said Smith. “We cannot afford continued corruption and wrongdoing.” 

Madigan is accused of using his elected, political, and professional roles to enrich himself and his cronies. For close ally Harry Benton, Madigan sent $600,000, ensuring Benton’s loyalty to the status quo. It was reported this week that despite federal charges and awaiting trial, Madigan continues to raise big money, proving his influence is still strong in Democratic circles. 

Two years ago when Benton ran unsuccessfully for the same seat, Benton was asked at a public candidate forum to provide a simple “yes” or “no” on whether he would support Mike Madigan’s continuation as Speaker in light of multiple federal investigations involving the Speaker’s inner circle. Benton declined to oppose Madigan, despite the ComEd bribery scandal and accusation of rape cover-up that had already been made public at the time of the question.

“I believe in transparency and stronger ethics reforms,” Smith said. “Taxpayers deserve a fresh start with no ties to Michael Madigan and his corrupt operation. My candidacy represents that clean break.”

ABOUT MICHELLE SMITH

Michelle Smith is a small business owner of BSPI, Inc., a general contractor specializing in repairing, rebuilding, renovating, and restoring commercial buildings; she has run alongside her husband, Brian, since 1989. In 2019, Michelle was appointed Clerk for Plainfield Township, and she was elected to her own term in 2021. Michelle cares for her community and remains troubled by the direction Springfield politicians continue to take our state, pushing extreme policies over tackling Illinois’ greatest challenges such as rising crime rates, lowering education standards, and endless attempts to increase taxes. She is running for state representative in the 97th district to restore public safety, support parental rights in the classroom, and get our economy back on track. Michelle has been married to her husband for over thirty years, and together they are the proud parents of four adult children and live in Plainfield.