Updated Feb. 24 to reflect Kodatt's resignation effective Wednesday morning
Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan's handpicked successor for the House seat he held for more than 50 years has stepped down from the General Assembly after just three days.
In a statement Tuesday night, Madigan and Chicago Alderman Marty Quinn, D-13th Ward, said they’ve urged new State Rep. Edward Guerra Kodatt to resign, citing a “zero tolerance policy” and unspecified behavior from Kodatt.
Read more: Ex-Speaker Madigan Chooses 13th Ward Protege To Replace Him After 50 Years In House
“After learning of alleged questionable conduct by Mr. Kodatt, it was suggested that he resign as state representative for the 22nd District,” the statement said. “We are committed to a zero tolerance policy in the workplace.”
On Wednesday morning a spokesman for new House Speaker Chris Welch confirmed receipt of Kodatt's resignation letter.
Madigan resigned last week from the House seat he’s held for more than 50 years, using his position as Chicago’s 13th Ward Committeeman to select his replacement on Sunday after hearing from 10 candidates in an open forum.
On Monday, Madigan also resigned as chairman of the state Democratic Party.
Kodatt, 26, has worked for Quinn for the pst four years since graduating from Eastern Illinois University, and had done work for Madigan’s political organization on Democratic legislative campaigns.
Other committeemen responsible for choosing Madigan’s replacement backed alternative candidates, but Madigan had the majority of the weighted votes on the 22nd District selection committee to make the appointment on his own.
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