Former primary challenger's lawsuit against Speaker Madigan can proceed

A lawsuit brought by a former primary challenger to Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan can continue after a federal judge ruled Wednesday he'd previously overlooked allegations that Madigan used his authority and influence to damage and discredit his opponent.

Jason Gonzales alleges that the veteran South Side lawmaker put up "two sham candidates with Hispanic last names to split up the Hispanic vote" in order to defeat him in the March 2016 primary, according to the ruling.

By allowing the suit to move forward, Judge Matthew F. Kennelly cleared the way for Gonzales' lawyers to seek Madigan's campaign records, emails and other documents. The longtime House speaker and chairman of the state Democratic Party also could be compelled to sit for a sworn deposition as part of that process, said Tony Peraica, Gonzales' lawyer.

"We're gonna check every crevice," said Peraica, a former Republican member of the Cook County Board who ran for chairman. "It's going to be wonderful."

Read more: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-michael-madigan-jason-gonzales-met-0914-20170913-story.html