A copy of the unreleased report also gave a rare glimpse into Madigan’s thoughts on getting people government jobs and raises. In an interview with Homer, Madigan is quoted as speaking highly of both the work-related credentials and the political experience of one 13th Ward operative the speaker backed for a raise.
“You can understand that there are many people that are involved with me and campaigns and community service,” Madigan said, according to the report. “Among these many people, some are better than others. (He) happens to be one of those who is better than others.”
At the time, Madigan’s spokesman issued a statement saying the speaker asked for the investigation and cooperated fully with it and noted that the legislative inspector general had “found no violation of any law.”
At Tuesday’s public hearing, Madigan was asked if he would commit to finally appointing an inspector general. “I don’t make the appointment. The appointment’s made by a vote of the House and the Senate,” Madigan said.
Illinois law tasks the Legislative Ethics Commission to “diligently search out qualified candidates” and make recommendations to the General Assembly. It’s then up to the House and Senate to agree on a joint resolution, which requires a three-fifths vote.
When Madigan was again asked later at the hearing if he would commit to filling the post, he answered, “yes.”
It was at that same Tuesday hearing that Rotheimer, the victim rights advocate, leveled her accusations at Silverstein. Cullerton’s office said “it is our understanding there is an open investigation.”
That caught the attention of McConnaughay, the Republican senator from St. Charles. She said that she and other legislative ethics oversight commission members routinely were told by staff that there were no pending cases.