Sangamon Sun

Former Speaker Mike Madigan's Chief of Staff, Tim Mapes, has been sentenced to 2.5 years in prison for making false declarations before a grand jury and obstruction of justice. The sentencing comes after defense attorneys unsuccessfully argued for a lenient sentence of community service. Judge John Kness in the Northern District denied the request, holding Mapes accountable for his attempt to protect the corrupt ways of Mike Madigan.

This latest development is part of an ongoing parade of Madigan allies and associates being brought to the federal courthouse. It highlights the urgent need for tighter ethics laws, a cause that House Republicans have been advocating for years. Led by House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, Republicans have filed a series of ethics bills, including the most recent one filed last week to mark the new legislative year.

At a news conference in Springfield, Leader McCombie emphasized the importance of ethics reform, stating, "We cannot continue to rely on federal prosecution to hold elected officials to a higher standard." McCombie is sponsoring HB 4119, which aims to prevent defendants from using campaign contributions to fund their legal defense. Notably, Madigan himself has already paid millions from his campaign fund to the legal firm defending him.

Deputy Minority Leader Ryan Spain has also been a vocal supporter of ethics reform. He applauded Judge Kness for rejecting the request to delay Tim Mapes' sentencing, saying, "Tim Mapes shouldn't need to be reminded that lying under oath is a bad idea, especially when done to cover up for unethical leaders." Spain emphasized the importance of holding corrupt politicians accountable moving forward.

State Rep. Patrick Windhorst, who serves as both House Republican Floor Leader and the House Republican Spokesperson on the House Judiciary and Criminal Law Committee, highlighted the significance of honest cooperation in investigations. Windhorst stated, "No one is above the law. In the case of Tim Mapes lying to the Department of Justice, we see just how deep the allegiance between the two men was. Mr. Mapes put the interests of his former boss ahead of justice, and for that, he will face the consequences."

Representative Wayne Rosenthal echoed the need for ethics reform in Illinois, emphasizing that anyone who lies to protect others' interests should be held accountable. He said, "We must pass ethics reform in Illinois to deter crimes from happening."

The recent sentencing of Tim Mapes is just one of many convictions secured by federal prosecutors in Chicago in 2023. These convictions include bribery charges against former Commonwealth Edison employees and Chicago businessman James T. Weiss, as well as the conviction of former Chicago Democratic Alderman Edward Burke for racketeering, bribery, and attempted extortion.

The ethics reform proposals put forward by House Republicans aim to address these issues. House Bill 4119 prohibits elected officials from using political campaign donations for criminal defense, while House Bill 1277 suspends benefit or annuity payments to members charged with a felony. House Bill 4286 establishes a three-year revolving door ban on lobbying, and House Bill 4288 requires timely availability of reports from the Executive and Legislative Ethics Commissions. Lastly, House Bill 4289 expands the definition of "officials" and "lobbying" in the Lobbyist Registration Act.

The sentencing of Tim Mapes serves as a reminder of the importance of ethics reform in Illinois. House Republicans continue to push for legislation that will hold elected officials to a higher standard and restore trust in government.