Madigan resigns, capping 50 years in public office 

Former House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) announced his resignation Thursday, marking the end of 50 years in public office. 

In a lengthy statement, Madigan said he would resign at the end of February, a little more than a month after the House elected Rep. Chris Welch (D-Hillside) to be his successor as the chamber’s leader.