Quincy Reporter

Mike Madigan resigned from his House seat in mid-February, but a Republican activist believes that the Chicago Democrat's political influence is not done.

"I know what he said in his announcement about stepping down, but I really believe once you've had power like he has you don't just give it all up," Quincy activist Mecki Kosin told the Quincy Reporter. "I think Democrats would prefer if he would just go away and take all the criminal investigations with him, but after all this time, I don't believe he knows how to do that."

After a nearly four-decade run of power filled with as much controversy as anything else, Madigan resigned from his 22nd District House seat. His resignation comes just weeks after he was replaced as House speaker when nearly two dozen members of his party opted for a new leader.

Back in January, veteran state Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch was installed as Madigan's replacement, making him the first black person in Illinois history to hold the position.

Madigan also has potential legal troubles in the future. He is linked to a federal Department of Justice corruption investigation involving ComEd and an alleged pay-for-play scheme.

Madigan has not been charged and has maintained his innocence.

Thus far, four known associates of Madigan have been indicted in connection with the ComEd scandal, including longtime confidante Mike McClain.

"The Democrats know a lot of eyes are now on them right now," Kosin said. "And as for Madigan, I think even he knows he's going to be indicted at some point. He keeps saying he's innocent, but I don't think anyone believes that."