South Central Reporter

Republican state House candidate Blaine Wilhour has taken to quoting Abraham Lincoln to size up House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago).

“Abraham Lincoln had it right when he said, ‘Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character give him power,’” Wilhour said in a video posted on Facebook. “Each and every one of us has faced adversity at one time or another, but the true test of character comes from when we’re given the reins of power. Mike Madigan has had a historic, unprecedented run of power in Springfield for the last four decades. In light of these disturbing developments, it’s clear that his leadership is lacking and the character of his organization is in question.”

The latest development to cast aspersions on the longtime House speaker’s political empire comes after his longtime chief of staff, Tim Mapes, was recently forced to step down after being hit with accusations of sexual harassment and bullying by fellow staffer Sherri Garrett.

Mapes is now the fourth of Madigan’s close associates, including Rep. Lou Lang, his No. 2 in Springfield, to be ensnared in the widening harassment scandal.

“He may not be the one committing these egregious acts, but he’s at the top,” Wilhour, who is running for state representative in the 107th District, said in the video. “And his lack of action combined with his failure to address the systemic culture of abuse, intimidation and disrespect that has been fostered by his organizations are cause for legitimate concern. Why should the speaker get a free pass?”

Over the years, Wilhour noted that both Mapes and Lang have served as Madigan’s voice in carrying out his directives and fighting to implement his policies.

“Why are they resigning while Mike Madigan, the one that truly pulls the strings, still gets to hold on to his power?” Wilhour added. “If we’re going to restore Illinois to what it could be and what it should be, Mike Madigan and his culture of corruption and intimidation has to go. The people of Illinois deserve leadership that is above reproach on these serious issues. The speaker’s organization has been lacking and that is not acceptable. It’s time for Speaker Madigan to do the right, respectful thing and resign his post as speaker of the House and head of the Democratic Party and allow Illinois to move forward with renewed credibility.”