With All Eyes On Illinois’ Senate, House Speaker Madigan Still Holds Sway

Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan
Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, center, speaks with Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, right, while Illinois Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, left, looks on inside Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner's office during veto session at the Illinois State Capitol Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016, in Springfield, Ill. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)
Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan
Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, center, speaks with Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, right, while Illinois Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, left, looks on inside Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner's office during veto session at the Illinois State Capitol Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016, in Springfield, Ill. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

With All Eyes On Illinois’ Senate, House Speaker Madigan Still Holds Sway

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All eyes toward Springfield are focused on SB1, the education funding bill passing back and forth between Gov. Bruce Rauner and the Senate. 

This is an unusual spot for Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, who’s usually the one in the legislative spotlight and who’s spent more than three decades accumulating power in Springfield. 

Madigan passes a milestone this week: He is now the longest serving House Speaker in modern history. 

We talk with longtime Springfield reporter Dave McKinney about how Madigan gained that distinction and the moves he’s made through the years to remain on top.