SPRINGFIELD — Taking the speaker’s podium for the first time since being elected the new Illinois House Speaker, Rep. Emmanuel “Chris” Welch addressed concerns that his connections to longtime former speaker Rep. Mike Madigan would influence his decision making by calling Madigan, putting him on speakerphone, and holding the phone up silently while Rep. Madigan explained that would not be the case.
“I want to assure you all that Rep. Welch will be fully in control of his role as speaker of the house,” said Rep Madigan over the phone, “but I will occasionally pop in via phone or maybe just brood in the background behind him like a Sith Lord.”
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Rep. Madigan, who’s held the Speaker position for most years since 1983, has often been accused of pay-to-play politics and keeping a tight grip over House proceedings. Madigan stunned representatives when he announced he’d not be reseeking the Speaker position for this year. We caught up with him after Chris’s address.
“It was time to transition to a more behind-the-scenes role,” said Madigan during a Zoom call from what appeared to be an opulent, private Metra rail car furnished with an all-bone interior.
“That’s not to say Welch is any cleaner than me,” Madigan reiterated while Welch sat nearby reading a magazine. “Multiple accusations of domestic abuse and sexual harassment can attest to that. But he’s younger, you know? It takes a youthful energy to be the public face of these things. Everyone stands up too much in the House. Now I can control decisions from the comfort of my jacuzzi carved out of one giant emerald! How’s that for a retirement plan?”
