Following the verdict today in federal court finding Tim Mapes, former chief of staff and top aide to Mike Madigan, guilty of perjury and obstruction of justice, State Representative Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) issued the following statement in response:
“What we saw today is someone caught lying. Do not deceive yourself that it is a verdict on the patterns and practices that corrupt the fair service we owe to the people of Illinois.
“Illinois House Republicans have shared many ideas on how to close ethical loopholes that persist through multiple bills we have filed. I have seen my peers sharing many of these suggestions today. We can go on and on about what the legislature needs to structurally change. As a member of the Legislative Ethics Commission, I’d prioritize autonomy for the Legislative Inspector General to take on investigations wherever they may lead. Let’s allow an outsider to keep an eye on us.
“It is a sad day because Mr. Mapes was not held accountable for the corrupt enterprise, only for lying about it. My sincere hope is we can move in a positive direction for the people of this state.”
Rep. Keicher serves the 70th District, which includes portions of DeKalb, Kane, and McHenry Counties.