Month: August 2023

CHICAGO — The trial of Tim Mapes, former chief of staff to ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan, has shed light on the intricate web of power and influence that has shaped the landscape of Illinois politics. Mapes was found guilty today of perjury and attempted obstruction of justice for lying to a grand jury during an investigation into a bribery scheme involving ComEd executives and lobbyists.

Testimonies from key figures have offered a glimpse into the inner workings of Mapes’ role within the political sphere. Former State Representative Bob Rita, a Blue Island Democrat, testified that Mapes wielded significant power akin to his boss, Madigan. Rita recounted a sign on Mapes’ desk in Springfield that read, “nobody gets in to see the wizard. Not nobody, not no how.” When pressed about the “wizard,” Rita pointed to Madigan as the figure of authority.

The trial proceedings also featured recordings of conversations involving Mapes, shedding light on political fundraising practices and his departure following a sexual harassment scandal in 2018. These conversations provide a unique insight into the maneuvers and relationships within Madigan’s inner circle as various scandals threatened the stronghold of the Democrat speaker’s legacy.

As part of their case, prosecutors played a series of recorded calls between Mapes and Springfield insider Michael McClain from 2018. These conversations provided insights into discussions about committee assignments and key legislative matters. The trial revealed that Mapes remained actively involved in legislative affairs after resigning due to bullying and harassment allegations.

The calls also touched on topics like ComEd’s leadership transition and the hiring of Maggie Hickey to investigate harassment claims. Mapes is facing perjury charges related to his grand jury testimony, in which he provided false information about his knowledge of Madigan’s impressions and other matters. McClain, who was previously convicted for conspiracy to bribe Madigan, is also scheduled for a separate trial with Madigan for racketeering conspiracy charges in April.

“The culture of corruption that Illinois Democrats fostered for decades is finally being exposed and prosecuted. There is more work to be done, but Illinois citizens deserve a government that works for them, not just for political insiders and their special interest allies.” – ILGOP Chairman Don Tracy

CHICAGO — Welcome back to Continuing Corruption, where we dive deep into the intricate web of Illinois politics, exposing instances of power misuse and ethical breaches that lie at the heart of the Illinois Democrat Party.

Mike Madigan’s rise to prominence was nothing short of extraordinary. Serving as Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives for an astonishing 36 years, he held a sway over the state’s policies and direction. But as the saying goes, “With great power comes great responsibility,” and in Madigan’s case, also intense scrutiny.

The turning point in the Madigan saga came with a grand jury subpoena served in July 2020 to his office. This move cast a spotlight on the intricate web of relationships and interactions that he had cultivated over the years. The document requested a range of communications, shedding light on Madigan’s dealings with politicians, friends, and even corporate giants. This extensive federal interest went beyond his connection with ComEd, signaling a deep dive into the mechanics of power and its potential misuse.

At the heart of the matter is the looming question: Did Madigan wield his legislative influence for illegal political gain? The subpoena’s broad scope suggests a thorough investigation into instances where his power may have been leveraged for the illegal political benefit of himself and his associates.

And now, as the trial unfolds for his trusted Chief of Staff, Tim Mapes, the shadows grow longer. Accused of lying under oath to obstruct a federal investigation into alleged illegal activities involving Madigan and others, Mapes’ federal trial serves as a look into the broader narrative. It’s a reminder that the tendrils of influence can stretch far, and the consequences of alleged misdeeds can be big.

The ongoing legal battles underscore the significance of ethical leadership and accountability in public service. The outcome of these proceedings has the potential to reshape not only Madigan’s narrative but also the trajectory of Illinois politics.

Stay with us as we continue to peel back the layers of the Democrat Party, shedding light on the complexities, controversies, and consequences that have defined decades of scandal in Illinois’s blue politics, which perhaps might help explain why Illinois has been so lacking in honest government services for so many decades. The saga continues, and the revelations are sure to be as intriguing as they are enlightening.

CHICAGO – Welcome back to Continuing Corruption, where we go over the Illinois Democrat Party and how so many of its members have been caught in abusing the power we citizens have given them. But unlike our previous editions up to this point, this one is hot off the presses! This week we’re talking about Illinois Democrat Sen. Patricia Van Pelt, whose actions have ignited suspicion and raised eyebrows among the public.

Van Pelt has been in the political spotlight for years. Representing the 5th Senate District, which encompasses a diverse range of neighborhoods, from the bustling West Loop to the vibrant Wicker Park and Old Town areas, she has held a significant position as the chair of the Senate Local Government Committee. Elected to the Senate in 2012, Van Pelt has been a fixture in Chicago politics, navigating the intricacies of public service while facing both successes and controversies during her tenure.

Despite her recent reelection in 2022 and being appointed to lead a committee, her absence during the spring session has been nothing short of alarming. Missing 903 out of 904 votes and failing to attend any meetings held by her own committee, Van Pelt’s lack of participation has left constituents scratching their heads.

The senator’s explanation for her absence has been less than convincing. Citing “health challenges,” she failed to elaborate on the nature of her ailments or why they hindered her from fulfilling her legislative duties. What’s even more troubling is her ability to travel to other parts of the country and the world for her business engagements while allegedly facing these health challenges.

And by the way, she was paid $56,000 just last week for her job as a lawmaker. You know, the one she’s been playing hooky from all year.

Van Pelt runs a relationship advice and life coaching business, where she goes by the moniker “Dr. Pat,” she has been hosting conferences and events for women. It’s hard to ignore the stark contrast between her supposed health challenges preventing her from participating in crucial legislative matters and her active involvement in business ventures.

Her association with a CBD business, WaKanna for Life, that was forced to pay $144,000 in a settlement following an investigation raised further red flags. With her resignation on August 1st, the 5th Senate District is  facing a significant change, and her departure leaves constituents wondering about the future of their representation in the Illinois Senate.

As we delve deeper into the political landscape of Illinois, it becomes increasingly crucial for elected officials to demonstrate ethical leadership and a genuine dedication to serving the public. Transparency and accountability are not optional; they are the bedrock of a healthy democracy.

CHICAGO — As the Tim Mapes trial gets underway, let us remember: Mapes is accused of lying to federal agents and facing prison to protect Mike Madigan. The two of them oversaw multiple governmental and political entities that demanded blind loyalty from state legislators for more than 4 decades, made or broke careers of politicians based on their votes, and buried any dissent while helping their chosen few patsies rise to the highest levels of state government. From the Governor’s Administration to the House Floor, Illinois Democrats across this state have been tainted by Madigan and Mapes culture of corruption they created, and even now continue to shape Illinois policy even after their patriarch’s actions have been exposed to the public.

ILGOP Chairman Don Tracy issued the following statement:

“Madigan and Mapes controlled all the levers of power between the Speaker’s office and DPI. They decided how government and political money was allocated among legislators and areas of the state, cut out legislators that voted against them and elevated those that were loyal to them.

In this case, Mapes is accused of perjuring himself to stay loyal to Madigan. Madigan’s handpicked successor, Speaker Welch shut down the legislative committee established to investigate the crimes alleged against Madigan. These are not the actions of dedicated public servants, rather they are the actions of ambitious politicians putting their personal political careers above the public good.”