Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's corruption trial gets underway
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Photo illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios. Photo: Bloomberg via Getty Images
Jury selection begins Tuesday for one of the biggest political corruption trials in Illinois history.
Why it matters: The federal trial of Michael Madigan could put the powerful former House speaker behind bars for allegedly orchestrating bribes and political favors for him and his cronies.
Zoom in: Madigan is charged with 23 counts ranging from racketeering conspiracy to a host of other crimes.
Zoom out: A student of Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley, Madigan ran the Illinois Democratic party for decades, orchestrating his party's domination in the General Assembly and keeping Illinois blue in a sea of Midwestern red.
Yes, but: The feds allege that Madigan secured his political allies jobs at utility companies like ComEd and AT&T in exchange for favorable legislation.
Context: The federal government's investigation has lasted over 10 years and 21 Madigan associates (both people and businesses) have been indicted, with nine people in prison.
Here's a quick catch-up on what you should be watching:
Mike McClain: McClain is a co-defendant in this trial. He was a former state representative and lobbyist considered a confidant and captain for the Madigan political machine.
- McClain is also a big part of the feds' case because he sent emails and other correspondence that detailed some of what prosecutors say were illegal back-door deals that Madigan is on trial for. He hasn't testified against Madigan, which is why he's also on trial.
Danny Solis: The former 25th ward alder wore a wire when talking to Madigan about deals that would be beneficial for Madigan's law office and would help reduce property tax bills. The feds' case is tied closely to Solis' testimony and the audio collected during their conversations.
The intrigue: Solis cooperated with the feds and wore the wire against Madigan because he was also charged with corruption.
- Solis provided testimony in the corruption trial against former Ald. Ed Burke, who was found guilty in December 2023.
AT&T/ComEd4: Both of these utility companies' executives were charged with conspiring to bribe Madigan. The "ComEd Four" were found guilty, while the AT&T Illinois CEO's trial ended with a mistrial.
Supreme Court: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a bribery case involving a former Portage, Indiana, mayor that there is a difference between a bribe and a gratuity, essentially nixing a keystone corruption law for the federal government.
- This ruling may have spared the AT&T Illinois executive and it might vacate the ruling in the "ComEd Four" trial.
- The feds believe the court's ruling won't have an impact on the racketeering charges against Madigan. Only five of the 23 counts against Madigan are tied to the anti-corruption law and could be dropped.
What's next: Jury selection is first. This trial is expected to last months.