(CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Illinois Republicans were quick to respond to Wednesday’s verdict against Mike Madigan.

State Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) called for stronger ethics legislation, “specifically, some of the bills to empower the legislative inspector general; to allow for more membership-driven ability to call bills and move legislation. Remember, the issue at the heart of the ComEd scandal and these convictions had to do with the unchecked ability of Mike Madigan to decide whether or not a bill would be considered for a vote by the House of Representatives.”

State Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis), said, “Multiple legislators busted for bribery and corruption, and now the longest ever serving speaker of the House has been found guilty by a jury of his peers for using his power to influence companies and unfairly impact the outcome of legislation in Springfield.

“It’s time for change.”

A federal jury Wednesday convicted Madigan of ten counts during his lengthy corruption trial.