Illinois state senator whose office was raided by FBI resigning

In an old-fashioned "news dump," that is, releasing embarrassing or humiliating news so as few people as possible can learn about it, a powerful Illinois Democratic politician announced that he is quitting his office. That is why I'm reporting on it today.

Two state legislative districts comprise Martin Sandoval's state Senate district. One of those areas is represented by Boss Michael Madigan.

From ABC Chicago:

An Illinois state senator under federal investigation for fraud has resigned his office.

In a Wednesday letter to the Secretary of the Senate, Chicago Democrat Martin A. Sandoval said his resignation will be effective Jan. 1.

FBI agents raided Sandoval's Springfield and Chicago offices and home earlier this year seeking data on concrete and construction businesses, bribery or theft of federal funds.

After the Sept. 24 raid, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and others demanded Sandoval step down as chairman of the Transportation Committee. Pritzker expressed concern about the integrity of his $41.5 billion state construction program, in which Sandoval took a leading role last spring.