The corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan continued during the week as federal prosecutors laid out their case that the political leader engaged in a racketeering and bribery conspiracy.
Opening statements in the landmark trial began on October 21st. Madigan, who was the longest-serving state House Speaker in the nation’s history, has been charged with using his power and influence to enrich himself and his associates. Madigan’s close confidante, former lawmaker turned lobbyist Mike McClain, has also been charged for his role in the alleged criminal enterprise.
Much of the case focuses on alleged bribes made by ComEd and AT&T, in the form of contracts and no-show jobs for Madigan associates. A significant part of the prosecution’s evidence comes from wire-tapped recordings made by disgraced former Chicago alderman Danny Solis.
The defense for Madigan and McClain has so far worked to portray the evidence as nothing more than legal lobbying efforts while trying to discredit witnesses for the prosecution.
Attorneys on both sides have predicted that the trial could last for three months.
Madigan served in the Illinois House from 1971 – 2021, serving as the House Speaker for all but two years from 1983 – 2021. He announced his retirement from the General Assembly in February of 2021 and was indicted on federal racketeering charges in March of 2022.
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