CHICAGO, IL — Local lawmakers have responded to the guilty verdict of former Illinois House Speaker, Democrat Michael Madigan in his corruption trial. State Senator Terri Bryant of Murphysboro called the verdict confirmation of the state’s longstanding corruption issues, saying that yesterday’s verdict confirms what Illinoisans have known for years – Michael Madigan and the corrupt Democratic political machine put power and personal gain ahead of the people they were supposed to serve. Representatives Charlie Meier and Blaine Wilhour criticized Madigan’s actions, urging for ethics reform in Illinois. Senator Jason Plummer echoed the need for deeper systemic changes to combat corruption in the state. Lawmakers are calling for immediate action to address the ongoing culture of corruption in Illinois politics. Madigan was convicted on 10 of 23 federal corruption charges, including conspiracy, bribery, and wire fraud. Each wire fraud charge alone carries a potential 20-year prison sentence.