PEORIA, Ill. – It is, perhaps, timely that a new book outlining former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s time as the top Democrat in Illinois politics is now out, since Madigan was indicted on racketeering and bribery charges by a federal grand jury this week.
“The House that Madigan Built” is authored by former Peoria Journal Star reporter Ray Long, now with the Chicago Tribune.
Long tells WMBD’s “The Greg and Dan Show” he certainly knew his subject matter.
“I had followed [Madigan] and had written stories over the years, and followed stories that other people had written over the years,” said Long. “So, I had a lot of material already. I always thought, ‘Hey, man, I ought to do a book on Madigan.'”
Long — who, as an investigative reporter, has put a lot of his time into Madigan — says his idea for a book led to a call he got a couple of years ago from University of Illinois Press making the same suggestion.
Long says despite Madigan being charged in federal court with bribery and racketeering, a piece of Madigan’s legacy lives on: a Democrat majority in the state Legislature.
“I’m sure there is more that can be done to give more voice to the minority party, which really doesn’t have much voice at all, or can’t really exercise much voice,” said Long.
Long says the investigation into Madigan and confidant Mike McClain continues, though it’s not known if any more charges will be filed.
CLICK HERE to find out more about “The House that Madigan Built.”
Listen to Long’s full interview by “The Greg and Dan Show” below.
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