East Central Reporter

Rep. Chris Miller (R-Robinson) said that Illinois voters probably hadn't seen the last of Mike Madigan.

"The last I heard was he could have as much as $20 million in his political war chest, and as long as he remains in control of that money, he's going to be controlling people," Miller told the East Central Reporter. "That's the way he's always operated, and I don't see that changing rather, he's in physically in Springfield or not."

After nearly four decades of leading the House as the speaker, Madigan resigned from his District 22 seat.

His resignation comes just weeks after lawmakers replaced him as House speaker in favor of state Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch (D-Hillside), following almost two dozen lawmakers from his party took the hardline stance they would not be supporting his reelection.

The Chicago Democrat was also linked to a federal Department of Justice investigation.

The still unfolding-federal corruption probe involving ComEd and a pay-for-play scheme has led to four known associates being indicted.

Miller said the only thing that surprises him about Madigan deciding to walk away from Springfield is it took him as long as it did to arrive at this decision.

"Everyone knows he didn't have any use for Springfield or any of this if he wasn't the one in charge," he said. "With Madigan, it's all about him and being able to do everything just the way he wants to."

As for what direction Springfield takes, Miller said he thinks that is up to Welch.

"[Welch] says he wants things to be different, and he wants us to work together to get this state back on track," he said. "I think every man deserves the opportunity to be a man of his word. So, I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. I will say he didn't help himself with the new House rules he just put in place. All those just look like business as usual."