SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is “suspending” his campaign for retention of the leadership post.

The 78-year-old Chicago Democrat issued a statement Monday that began, “This is not a withdrawal.” But he directed House Democrats to work toward finding a replacement.

Madigan has lost support among House members since he was implicated in a federal bribery investigation involving utility ComEd.

Madigan has not been charged with a crime and has denied wrongdoing.  But in a caucus vote Sunday, his support fell short of the 60 votes needed for his retention.