Google Groups no longer supports new Usenet posts or subscriptions. Historical content remains viewable.

Dismiss

Madigan new Dem chairman

1 view

Skip to first unread message

UPI

unread,

Apr 3, 1998, 3:00:00 AM4/3/98

Madigan new Dem chairman

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., April 3 (UPI) - Illinois House Speaker Michael
Madigan, D-Chicago, may claim he's not the most powerful Democrat in the
state, but he took steps in that direction when he became the party's
state chairman.

bc-il-dems
--------
This article remains the property of United Press International and is not
to be modified or redistributed in any way. It is provided as information
through license arrangement between UPI and Pathlink Technology Corporation.

UPI

unread,

Apr 3, 1998, 3:00:00 AM4/3/98

Madigan new Dem chairman
By GREGORY TEJEDA

The Illinois Democratic State Central Committee Friday formally voted
to make Madigan the political party's head, replacing Gary LaPaille, who
had held the post for eight years.

Madigan quickly made changes in procedure, from hiring a party
treasurer of his choice, to closing the state party's Chicago office, to
lowering the number of committee members it takes to officially endorse
a candidate for statewide office, to reducing the number of meetings the
party holds each year.

``My method in the General Assembly is my method here,'' Madigan
said, adding he plans to hold meetings among the seven Democrats running
for statewide office every few weeks to prevent differences of opinion
from hurting campaigns.

``I see my day-to-day requirements as bringing together the various
parts of the Democratic Party,'' he said, noting the first meeting will
be Sunday at his ward office in Chicago.

Madigan's selection, which had been anticipated by Democrats for
months, comes one day after the Illinois State Police began an
investigation into whether or not a former state representative received
a consulting contract for which no work was done.

Madigan shut down House activity Thursday, rather than put up with
Republican questions. GOP officials continued their criticism.

``The Madigan...deal is just another example of the unethical
behavior that has become business-as-usual for Illinois Democrats,'' GOP
spokesman John McGovern said. ``Democrats have made a habit of misusing
public funds to reward political cronies. It's the taxpayers who suffer
because they get nothing in return for their money.''

But Madigan said the contract was an ``administrative error'' by his
staff, adding he was confident police would clear Democrats of criminal
activity.

``It's a political charge,'' he said of the Republican complaints.
``It happens all the time. They were trying to get unflattering
publicity for us.''
--

0 new messages