Embattled Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan announced Jan. 11 that he was suspending his bid for another term leading the chamberbut is not withdrawing from the race, The Chicago Tribune reported.
Madigan fell nine votes short of the 60 he needs to retain the post in closed door balloting by the House Democratic Caucus. His closest challenger, state Rep. Ann Williams, garnered 18 votes Jan. 10 in a closed-door vote of the House Democratic caucus. State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit received three, and one member voted present.
Madiganwho saw some of his support erode away this summer after he was implicated in a bribery scheme involving Commonwealth Edisonhas held the post for all but two years since 1983. He has served in the Illinois House since 1971.