Capitol News Illinois reporter Hannah Meisel is covering the corruption trial of ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan from the Dirksen Federal Courthouse in Chicago.
The former speaker, who left office under growing pressure related to the FBI investigation surrounding him in early 2021, faces 23 counts of racketeering, bribery, extortion and wire fraud. Prosecutors allege he used his political power and various offices — including as a partner in his law firm — as a “criminal enterprise” to protect and enhance his power while enriching himself and his allies. But his defense attorneys argue the state is trying to criminalize the political process and baseline constituent services.
His co-defendant Mike McClain, a veteran Statehouse lobbyist and longtime Madigan confidant, was already convicted last year on public corruption charges in the separate but related “ ComEd Four” trial. The feds are again trying to show McClain is an “agent” of Madigan, while his defense attorneys say he simply engaged in legal relationship maintenance, a core function of lobbying
Here is a rundown of key events of the coverage during the past week from the courtroom. Complete coverage can be found online at https://capitolnewsillinois.com/
WEEK 10: JAN. 6 — 8
Monday, Jan. 6
Former Madigan aide testifies speaker had conflict of interest protocols: Former attorneys in Madigan’s office testified that the speaker was hands-off when it came to their negotiations on key legislation backed by ComEd and AT&T that the feds allege advanced only due to bribes in the form of jobs and contracts for Madigan allies. One of the former aides also said Madigan would never vote on the type of “land transfer” bills at issue in part of the case.
Tuesday, Jan. 7
Madigan takes witness stand, denying he traded ‘public office’ for ‘private gain’: In a stunning turn of events, Madigan took the witness stand Tuesday afternoon to testify in his own defense. The first chunk of questioning had the famously reserved Madigan getting personal, divulging details of his life never publicly aired, including his relationship with his adopted daughter, former Attorney General Lisa Madigan.
Wednesday, Jan. 8
Jurors hear tape of Madigan saying ComEd contractors ‘made out like bandits’: Madigan’s attorney finished questioning him on Wednesday before the former speaker sat through cross-examination from the attorney for Mike McClain. And prosecutors scored a victory as U.S. District Judge John Blakey reversed his earlier decision to bar a wiretapped phone call from trial in which Madigan and McClain laugh about ComEd contractors having “made out like bandits … for very little work.”
Holiday Break
Before the jury returned on Jan. 6, parties met for arguments over jury instructions twice the week of New Year’s Day. Debate over a key area of jury instructions, which have to do with whether an official “corruptly solicits … anything of value intending to be influenced or rewarded in connection with any business” worth $5,000 or more, is ongoing.