Dear
Members of the General Assembly:
As you know,
the Chicago Tribune published several articles that implied conflicts of interest
between my law practice and my position as Speaker. These articles provided
ample speculation, but few facts. I have come to learn from individuals
interviewed by the Tribune that the authors were provided information that directly
contradicted the reporters' conclusions-but that information appears nowhere in
the articles.
Despite the
implications, it is clear that the reporters have failed to uncover any evidence
of conflicts of interest or quid pro quo between my legislative acts and the interests
of my law firm, or of any other unethical conduct on my part. They have failed to
find any evidence because it does not exist. Yet they insist on publishing articles
that imply, if not outright state, that I have engaged in inappropriate
conduct.
None of my
actions as Speaker or as an attorney have been inappropriate or violative of any applicable law or ethical rule, I have imposed requirements on my law firm
and myself, beyond what is required by the law, to ensure ethical conduct, and I
go to great lengths to make certain there is a clear division between my law
practice and my actions as a public official, Any potential law firm client who
seeks a State benefit is not accepted, lf a client requests my intercession with
a State agency, I refuse. lf a client expresses an interest in legislation, I recuse
myself from consideration of the bill,
Even though
the Tribune consistently ignores information that might cast their stories in a
considerably different light, I am grateful to share such information with you.
Enclosed you will find information relevant to the implications, as well as several
inaccuracies found in the articles.
With kindest
personal regards, I remain
Sincerely
yours,
MICHAEL MADIGAN
Speaker of the House
For his rebuttal: http://capitolfax.com/Madiganresponsechgotribarticles.pdf
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