Madigan Says He’s Taking Steps To End Harassment, Abuse

Madigan Sexual Harassment
Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, left, appears with Heather Wier Vaught, right, attorney for Speaker Madigan's personal political committee, explains the process she took in investigating complaints from a Democratic Party campaign worker, Alaina Hampton, of sexual harassment by her supervisor, Kevin Quinn Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018, in Springfield, Ill. Madigan, a Democrat from Chicago, announced Monday that Quinn, a longtime political aide, had been fired for sending Hampton inappropriate text messages in the fall of 2016. On Tuesday, Hampton told a news conference in Chicago, that had she not told her story to the Chicago Tribune, Quinn would not have been fired. Madigan denied that later in Springfield, said he first learned of Hampton's allegation in November 2017 and turned it over to Vaught for investigation. John O’Connor / AP Photo
Madigan Sexual Harassment
Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, left, appears with Heather Wier Vaught, right, attorney for Speaker Madigan's personal political committee, explains the process she took in investigating complaints from a Democratic Party campaign worker, Alaina Hampton, of sexual harassment by her supervisor, Kevin Quinn Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018, in Springfield, Ill. Madigan, a Democrat from Chicago, announced Monday that Quinn, a longtime political aide, had been fired for sending Hampton inappropriate text messages in the fall of 2016. On Tuesday, Hampton told a news conference in Chicago, that had she not told her story to the Chicago Tribune, Quinn would not have been fired. Madigan denied that later in Springfield, said he first learned of Hampton's allegation in November 2017 and turned it over to Vaught for investigation. John O’Connor / AP Photo

Madigan Says He’s Taking Steps To End Harassment, Abuse

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Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan says he’s taking steps to end harassment or abuse at the statehouse and in his political operation, after a former staff member said party officials were too slow to act.

In a letter to Democratic caucus members Friday, Madigan says “We haven’t done enough.” He says “I take responsibility for that.”

Madigan, who also leads the Democratic Party of Illinois, dismissed a long-time political consultant Monday after an investigation found the consultant repeatedly sent inappropriate text messages to staffer Alaina Hampton.

Hampton says she reported the sexual harassment last year. Madigan dismissed him a day before the Chicago Tribune published Hampton’s account.

Madigan said Friday he’s provided staff with names and contact information to report any incidents or allegations. He’s also retained an independent firm to investigate harassment allegations.