Keep Your Mouth Shut

 

I will boldly make two predictions here today having to do with Illinois’ biggest problem. The problem is the leadership of the boss, House Speaker Mike Madigan.

First, despite the noose getting tighter around Madigan’s neck as federal investigators seem to be drawing a bead on him in the Com-Ed investigation…..I think he will never personally be indicted. It is obvious that prosecutors are charging everybody around the speaker in hopes of squeezing them.

You might remember the wonderful mob movie “Goodfellas” where young Henry was given advice.

“Never rat on your friends and always keep your mouth shut.”

I’m surprised that’s not up on the walls of the capitol rotunda somewhere. Clearly, Madigan, who threw Rod Blagojevich under the bus for corruption, is too cagey. His buddies are keeping their mouths shut…at least for the time being.

So, here are my predictions as we move towards the end of the year. They won’t put a glove on Madigan. He’s too smart. Prosecutors don’t even use his name in their indictments. He is referred to as  “Public Official A.” That’s as close as they get.

Second prediction: Madigan will remain the Speaker. He has been in the office every year but two since 1983. The Democrats don’t have the guts to replace him.   

This isn’t Goodfellas. The boss isn’t going to jail. The boss is getting another term because this is Illinois. This is what we do.