"To my knowledge, I am not under investigation by the office of the U.S. attorney, and I have not been contacted by the U.S. attorney relative to Dan Solis," Madigan said in a statement released today. Said Vaught: "The speaker recalls attending several meetings with Ald. Solis over the past five years, including meetings with individuals in need of legal representation. If, indeed, some of his conversations were being recorded, the speaker did not know that, but he has no concern if they were. The speaker has no recollection of ever suggesting that he would take official action for a private law firm client or potential client."

After the controversy over the federal raid on the offices of Ald. Edward Burke, 14th, who also runs a property tax law practice on the side, the explosive charges are setting off all kinds of political fireworks.

"Like Ed Burke, developers and wealthy real estate holders don't consider Speaker Madigan for local work just because he's a competent lawyer," the Illinois Republican Party said in a statement. "Madigan acquires legal clients because he is one of the most powerful political leaders and lawmakers in the state of Illinois. The fact remains that it is an incredible conflict of interest" for Madigan to be both speaker and a tax lawyer.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker told reporters in Springfield he’s formed no final opinion on who might have done what, but he wants stronger ethical standards in Illinois’ political culture.

“There is an ongoing FBI investigation. I think we need to see that play out,” Pritzker said. “I think it is very important to see people held accountable if they’re found to have done something wrong.”

At a minimum, the governor said, officials with second jobs must either abstain from private activities that put them in conflict with their public duties or abstain from public activity on behalf of that client.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel had no immediate reaction, but the candidates running to succeed him are commenting.

Amara Enyia suggested in a statement that only "the tip of the iceberg" has emerged so far. "People are struggling to make ends meet, keep their kids in good schools and find jobs in their neighborhood. We have big issues that require new ways of thinking, but instead of offering innovative solutions that put people first, establishment politicians are distracted by twisted scandals of their own making."

Garry McCarthy's advice for federal investigators: “Dig as deeply as they need to root out the illegal way of doing business in this city. . . .It does not have to be this way. It is time to do away with the Chicago Way."

1:50 p.m. update — Lori Lightfoot called on Emanuel to issue an executive order making it clear to city department heads that rules and good policy are the basis for zoning, permit and other decisions—not aldermanic fiat. In other words, make it clear that while aldermen are welcome to put in their two cents, aldermanic privilege is dead.

She also wants fast expansion of the city inspector general's power, giving him the authority to probe all City Council matters.

Paul Vallas, in a statement, quipped that, with everything going on, "We're going to need a bigger broom to sweep out City Hall corruption."

He ripped Bill Daley, who he says "preaches ethics" even though he's refused to release his full income taxes and whose nephew, Robert Vanecko, lost tens of millions of dollars for taxpayers in investing city pension funds. Vallas also took a swipe at rival Gery Chico, saying he was so busy making money off lobbying clients when he headed the Board of Education that he had to recuse himself 500 times on board votes.

No immediate response from Daley or Chico.

There's more: From what I'm hearing, there's lots more to come out on the speaker. Today's news was colorful, but arguably not incriminating. Later developments could be of more legal significance.