Rock Island Today

Illinois State Senator Neil Anderson commented on the conviction of Michael Madigan, saying, "This conviction should be a wake-up call to Democrats: the days of operating without accountability must end." Anderson made this statement on Facebook on February 12.

"Corruption is woven into the fabric of Illinois politics, and this conviction should be a wake-up call to Democrats: the days of operating without accountability must end," said Anderson, according to Facebook. "Ethics reform isn't just necessary—it's long overdue."

According to a news release referenced in Anderson's Facebook post, he said that Madigan and Illinois Democrats had abused one-party rule, disregarding the widespread harm done to the state. He said the verdict exposed a deeply corrupt Democratic machine built on backroom deals and political favoritism at the expense of the state's taxpayers.

Screenshot of State Senator Neil Anderson's Feb. 12 Facebook post | State Senator Neil Anderson's Facebook page.

The federal trial concluded on February 12 with a jury convicting Michael Madigan of bribery conspiracy. However, according to the Chicago Tribune, the jury deadlocked on other charges, including one count of racketeering conspiracy. The jury also could not reach a verdict on six charges against co-defendant Michael McClain. Of the 23 charges against Madigan, the jury deadlocked on 12. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. Over four months, more than 60 witnesses testified, and the jury heard nearly a decade’s worth of evidence against Madigan and McClain, including testimony from a former 25th Ward alderman who wore a wire and provided information to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Madigan took the stand, denying some schemes and explaining others.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced Madigan's conviction in a February 12 news release. A sentencing hearing has not been set, but Madigan could face up to 20 years in federal prison for each count of wire fraud and up to 10 years for each count of bribery. He could also face a maximum sentence of five years for conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States. According to the news release, he was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, four counts of using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activity, three counts of wire fraud, and two counts of bribery.

Neil Anderson has served as senator for Illinois' 47th District since 2015. He grew up in the Quad Cities area and worked in his family business installing floors before joining the University of Nebraska football team as a walk-on player. After earning his paramedic license, he joined the Moline Fire Department where he continues to work.