In August 2008, Blagojevich claimed that House Democrats who held city of Chicago jobs were fearful of voting in favor of his 2008 capital bill because they thought House Speaker Michael Madigan might be able to get them fired. Blagojevich told reporters: "They fear their leader, Mr. Madigan, and if Mike Madigan tells them to vote a certain way, they will tell you privately, and I've had these discussions with a couple of state reps, one of whom said, 'I'm afraid if I vote for the jobs bill I'll be fired from my job at Streets and Sanitations [sic].
In August 2008, Blagojevich asserted that House Democrats holding Chicago city jobs were hesitant to support his capital bill due to fear of losing their positions because of Speaker Michael Madigan's influence. He claimed these individuals were concerned about potential job loss if they voted against the bill.