Tag: Margo McDermed

Bill prohibiting dual role of legislator and political party chair stalls in subcommittee Watch again A new bill would prohibit state lawmakers from serving as the leader of a state political party while in office, but it wouldn't affect House Speaker Michael Madigan, who has come under fire by Republicans and some Democrats for the power he has as the longest-serving state legislative leader and his control over campaign finances as chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois. The state's other legislative leaders have term limits. House Republicans also have leader limits, but not in the entire House. Lawmakers have filed legislation for several years to set term limits for legislative leaders. Republicans have chafed at Madigan's dual role as House Speaker and the leader of the Democrat's statewide political party. The Democratic Party of Illinois' state central committee has elected Madigan party chairman since 1998. “When you’re a legislative leader, your goal ought to be legislating for the good of everyone in Illinois.” McDermed said she was surprised when her bill was discussed House Judiciary - Civil Constitutional Law Subcommittee last week. They voted against advancing it. McDermed said her bill was about ethics, not politics. Democrats questioned the constitutionality of McDermed's bill in committee, but committee chair state Rep. André Thapedi, D-Chicago, declined to comment after the hearing.