Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's fate in the hands of a jury
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The fate of one of the most powerful politicians in Illinois history is now in the hands of a jury.
The latest: Closing arguments in the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan wrapped up Wednesday afternoon, capping the months-long trial at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse.
Why it matters: Madigan's trial is a litmus test for how politics is done in Illinois. Will the jury decide the prosecution proved Madigan's actions and behaviors were corrupt, or will it side with Madigan, who says he's just really good at politics?
The big picture: Madigan was charged with 23 federal counts of corruption in 2022, including bribery, quid pro quo and steering state business to his legal firms to enrich himself.
Yes, but: The defense pointed out all but six of the counts were based on the evidence provided by Ald. Danny Solis, who wore a wire as part of a plea deal to avoid his own federal corruption charges. Madigan's attorneys also argued the federal government didn't provide damning evidence that Madigan did anything illegal.
Zoom in: Madigan and co-defendant Mike McClain are also accused of running a secret system that placed political cronies at private companies like AT&T and ComEd in exchange for favorable legislation.
- The "ComEd Four" were found guilty of corruption, while the AT&T Illinois CEO's trial ended in a hung jury. Both ComEd and AT&T executives were charged with conspiring to keep the speaker happy, which is something both Madigan and McClain deny directing.
Biggest smoking gun: The jury heard hours of secretly recorded audio from conversations between Solis and Madigan. Madigan is heard on tape asking Solis to arrange a meeting between a developer and Madigan's law firm for tax work.
Biggest surprise: Madigan took the stand to defend his practices. He explained to the jury how he grew up in the shadow of an abusive father while justifying why he doesn't have a phone. "I wanted to end my day," Madigan said during testimony.
The prosecution's closing argument: "These folks are not playing checkers, they are playing chess. And the two of them [Madigan and McClain] were grand masters of corruption."
The defense's closing argument: "Mike is not corrupt. Mike is not about power. Mike is not about profit. Mike will help, if possible, when asked."
The bottom line: Madigan's verdict will end a chapter in Illinois political history — and may also decide if politics as usual will be a thing of the past.