McClain’s “magic lobbying list”
Thursday, Nov 21, 2019 - Posted by Rich Miller
* I’ve heard about the existence of this “magic lobbyist list,” but I haven’t seen this email sent by Mike McClain to several people last December. Kudos to Dan Mihalopoulos and Dave McKinney at WBEZ…
Shortly before last Christmas, consummate Springfield insider Michael McClain sent an email to what he called the “Magic Lobbyist List.” […]
“There are now a little less than two dozen on the list,” McClain wrote in the email, which WBEZ obtained. “So, I would ask what has been asked in the past.”
McClain then directed the remaining members of the list to help him arrange for any new, potential clients in Springfield to hire the right lobbyists for the upcoming, 2019 legislative session at the Illinois Capitol. […]
“A Friend of ours and myself have gone through the ‘magic list’ and frankly culled quite a few names from the list,” McClain told the surviving members of the group.
He asked them to do “what has been asked in the past” — to help him coordinate who would get lobbying deals with companies that needed their interests represented in Springfield.
“If you have a potential client come up to you and seek you as a lobbyist but you cannot for whatever reason please engage him/her and try to get him or her to consider a recommendation from you,” McClain wrote. “Please call me then and I will have a conversation with someone and get back to you asap.”
* Why this is important…
(T)he group email about the magic lobbyist list and interviews with Democratic insiders indicate McClain worked alongside Madigan in a much broader effort to arrange for trusted lobbyist allies to enrich themselves by representing powerful private interests in Springfield.
The email also offers the first evidence suggesting the speaker himself had a role in connecting lobbyists with clients whose fortunes rely heavily on his favor.
I think the best way to describe this list is to compare it to “made men” in the Outfit. He even used the phrase “A Friend of ours” in the email.
…Adding… Let’s go back to the Tribune’s story from earlier today. This was buried at the bottom…
The [October 2018 McClain] email thanks an undisclosed list of recipients for help on a “secret” project involving campaign fundraising for House Democrats in targeted contests on the November 2018 ballot. […]
“We always called you the ‘Most Trusted of the Trusted,” McClain wrote. “So, again, on behalf of Himself, I thank you for ALL your work to help him and the Caucus.” […]
In the email, McClain goes on to say he’s reviewed a “magic Excel sheet,” and makes a request [for more contributions]. […]
“Remember either the checks themselves have to be tendered to Mary or copies of them in order to be placed on the excel sheet as tendered,” said McClain, a reference to Mary Morrissey, the executive director of the Democratic Party of Illinois.
So, the party was tracking contributions from McClain’s “Most Trusted of the Trusted” list.
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 2:33 pm:
“If I say you’re a friend of mine, that means you’re connected. If I say you’re a friend of ours, that means you’re a made guy. If I introduce you, I’m responsible for you. Anything wrong with you, I go down.”
- Three Dimensional Checkers - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 2:38 pm:
“A friend of ours” can refer to an associate, not necessarily a made guy. Still, these are McClain’s own words. It is pretty obvious why they’d get federal attention.
- Ok - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 2:42 pm:
The prospects of a House Speaker Anne Stava-Murray get (ever so slightly) closer by minute.
- Rutro - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 2:43 pm:
He’s a goodfella.
- Ok - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 2:44 pm:
“So, the party was tracking contributions from McClain’s “Most Trusted of the Trusted” list.”
This.
- Amalia - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 2:45 pm:
Looking forward to seeing the entire list. You know that you suspect things, but to see it made real really makes one furious.
- Steve - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 2:48 pm:
If the GOP can’t make something of this in the next election, they aren’t a real political party in Illinois.
https://tinyurl.com/wef6t5h
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 2:51 pm:
===He’s a goodfella. ===
If he was, he wouldn’t have put that into an email.
This is just so bad on so many levels.
- Ron Burgundy - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 2:51 pm:
You’ve got “A Friend” in me…
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 2:52 pm:
=== I think the best way to describe this list is to compare it to “made men” in the Outfit. He even used the phrase “A Friend of ours” in the email.===
Michael Corleone has a lotta buffers.
Those buffers never used email to push a button
A button, you know, c’mon…
Well… when the boss…
- Rasputin - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 2:52 pm:
Can’t fathom how this collection of Rhodes Scholars were unable to avoid detection.
- Flat Bed Ford - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 2:55 pm:
This is better than anything Hollywood could dream up. Cannot wait for the books and the movie when all of this is done.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 2:56 pm:
- Steve -
Your dismissal of Trump is… amateur.
The noise of the national narrative will need to be overcome.
The impeachment alone will suck up so much oxygen.
- Les Nessman - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 2:56 pm:
Reminds me of Rezko’s and Phil Pagano’s clout lists.
- SoapOnRope - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 2:56 pm:
This sequel to Magic Mike sure is weird
- yeah - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 2:57 pm:
I’m not gonna post the clip, but Stringer Bell had something to say about taking notes on a criminal conspiracy.
- phenom_Anon - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 2:57 pm:
I’ve long thought that with all the buffers, anonymous friends, winks, nods, etc., that it would take a RICO case for the feds to ever go after the Speaker.
This is starting to look like someone building a RICO case.
- Steve - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 3:06 pm:
OW
I don’t what what Donald Trump has to do with this. Although, I could see how Trump could show up on one of those 9000 Alderman Ed Burke phone calls. … Next year OW, you’ll probably view Illinois politics a little different. Greylord, Gambat, Silver Shovel, and … 2020 brought to by the 5th floor at 219 ?
- Anon y mouse - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 3:12 pm:
These stories just keep coming … drip, drip, drip. The pressure being brought to bear on several people must be excruciating. With much more to come, until it all becomes known. This Federal Operation may be unprecedented, bringing down lots of Illinois Democrats, including, possibly, Himself.
The Republicans will become the Whigs if they cannot capitalize on this massive Democratic corruption take-down.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 3:13 pm:
=== I don’t what what Donald Trump has to do with this.===
If you don’t understand presidential and off year dynamics in turnout, for example, you can’t be helped.
Campaigns are not in a vacuum of one or another.
What makes/made good precinct captains so great in races is the ones trusted so much they can dump one race to save another.
Plus, where do you think the Raunerites are getting cash to make noise?
===you’ll probably view Illinois politics a little different.===
No. I’ll definitely view it as I always try; overall, in the districts, in the precincts, and in this case a presidential turnout year.
I fed you. Good luck.
To the post,
The next question to all this is whom on the list isn’t just a lobbyist outside the elected realm, and do these spicely-written emails have that connection to electeds, or the Speaker in a discovery?
I dunno.
- Squints - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 3:15 pm:
This is really infuriating for someone who is trying to work for Democrats in Illinois. What a crock.
- Steve - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 3:19 pm:
OW
I know that the memory of Bruce Rauner is an important party of your daily existence but.. you should consider the final verdict on Rauner hasn’t yet been written. If Bruce’s money for that film inspired certain people who viewed that film to take investigative action: Rauner would be seen in a different light. Just a reminder.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 3:23 pm:
- Steve -
I fed ya. Good luck.
=== So, the party was tracking contributions from McClain’s “Most Trusted of the Trusted” list.===
I wonder if there are emails to that tracking that splinter off abd give brighter light and insight. Yikes.
- OneMan - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 3:23 pm:
Now it is even clearer why he doesn’t use email.
However at the end of the day his members and the voters of Illinois are going to care less, unfortunately
- Paddyrollingstone - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 3:26 pm:
” Greylord, Gambat, Silver Shovel, and … 2020 brought to by the 5th floor at 219?”
I don’t recall any of those scandals helping Republicans in any election afterwards.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 3:27 pm:
=== the final verdict on Rauner hasn’t yet been written.===
The failed Raunerite governor who lost by the largest margin a sitting Republican Governor ever had… in 100 years, 16 points, and who tried, and failed to quit entirely, forcing that electoral humiliation upon himself.
That’s the legacy. It won’t change. Enough.
- Charlie Brown - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 3:28 pm:
Maybe there is a criminal case in there somewhere, but I somehow don’t see the public being either shocked or moved by allegations that politicians recommend their allies for lobbying jobs.
- Grandson of Man - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 3:36 pm:
The Speaker should seriously consider retiring. People are trying to bring about change and don’t need clouds like this overhead. Do it for the team.
As far as Rauner, he caused so much damage legally, in the billions of dollars and with the huge damage to social services and higher ed. The light will never shine brightly for him, after what he did purposely in his fight with Madigan and unions.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 3:44 pm:
Further to my own thought about outside emails and such;
From the great reporting…
=== He asked them to do “what has been asked in the past” — to help him coordinate who would get lobbying deals with companies that needed their interests represented in Springfield.
“If you have a potential client come up to you and seek you as a lobbyist but you cannot for whatever reason please engage him/her and try to get him or her to consider a recommendation from you,” McClain wrote. “Please call me then and I will have a conversation with someone and get back to you asap.”===
Are there chains and such beyond, and where they lead, what will this become in… an overall?
- Anon 3:40 - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 3:46 pm:
*seems to be a lot of people whom are trusted” is what I meant to write.
- Up to here - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 3:47 pm:
Reads like the goodfellas version of a go fund me page
- Amalia - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 3:47 pm:
my thinking is along the lines of Charlie Brown….what’s the crime? but the revealing of what we may have expected is true is disinfectant that is necessary.
- Been There - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 3:49 pm:
The email trail is unbelievable if the feds are successful in tying this to taking care of the lobbyist’s clients for hiring them. Still no evidence of that but still looks terrible. But I would think the other three chambers and some former governors have steered lobbying work to their ex staffers, colleagues, and political friends.
But leaving a trail like that? Hard to understand.
- Steve - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 3:53 pm:
OW
The Trump Justice Department is rather interested in public corruption. Not to say others at 219 haven’t been interested. It’s interesting that the FBI hasn’t redacted Mike Madigan’s name in this mafia figure’s FBI file, while other living individuals get the redaction. Interesting.
https://tinyurl.com/w255nor
- OneMan - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 3:56 pm:
== But leaving a trail like that? Hard to understand. ==
Not IMHO just partially some bragging and partially feeling like this is all cool and it isn’t like someone is going to tell on them.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 3:56 pm:
- Steve -
I read your comment. Move on from me.
- URL - Not required - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 4:00 pm:
Unethical, yes. Illegal… I don’t see it…?
- URL - Not required - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 4:00 pm:
Adding… if there was enough to go on…he’d be charged by now.
- Dance Band on the Titanic - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 4:01 pm:
- Steve - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 3:53 pm:
The Trump Justice Department is rather interested in public corruption.
Thanks man. I needed a good laugh this afternoon.
- Altgelds Ghost - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 4:04 pm:
URL — Really. no charges yet means its all ok? Are we supposed to just accept unethical nut not technichally iullegal as our standard for our leaders? Our party leaders as well?
Cmon dude.
- URL - Not required - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 4:04 pm:
If Madigan, himself, wanted to lobby for ComEd/Exelon, he could. Legally. I really just do not see it.
- Three Dimensional Checkers - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 4:10 pm:
I’d say the same thing that no one really knows what all the evidence is except the Feds. But, not great, Bob.
- #neverURLrequired - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 4:15 pm:
Where is the full list found? Was it published?
- Monadnock Pigeon - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 4:20 pm:
This reminds me of another spreadsheet, the one that Scott Fawell kept up for George Ryan.
All I could think of then, and all I can think of now, is something the old man (Richard J.) always said “don’t never write nothin’ down.”
- Powdered Whig - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 4:22 pm:
=== Where is the full list found? Was it published? ===
The list was not published. They didn’t identify anyone that was on the list. They did list certain individuals that were included on a different chain, but not the “magic” list.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 4:23 pm:
Am I remembering correctly that George Ryan was indicted days before Christmas and the reason was that the feds knew it would ruin his holidays?
Is that to happen here?
- @misterjayem - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 4:27 pm:
“The Trump Justice Department is rather interested in public corruption.”
Indisputably true, just not in the manner in which you intended.
– MrJM
- SAP - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 4:28 pm:
To those asking where the crime is, if the feds can show that legislation was held unless and until the proponent hired a lobbyist on the magic list, what they call a quid pro quo nowadays, that’s big trouble.
- Bertrum Cates - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 4:39 pm:
So many unnamed sources in the BEZ story.
- May Soon Be Required - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 4:52 pm:
Perception is Reality
- Joe Bidenopolous - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 4:54 pm:
I’m very curious who’s leaking the emails.
- Druid Eye - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 5:01 pm:
I’m thinking as crazy as this sounds…..that if you’re a Lobbyist and you worked for Madigan….could it be….Big Clients are going to be reluctant to hire you. I don’t see a crime yet….but the ethics of it all looks terrible.
- Tawk - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 5:11 pm:
Wasn’t Christian Mitchell the Exec Director of DPI at that time, not Morrissey?
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 5:13 pm:
Tawk, yes, but he was obviously going around Mitchell.
- Centennial - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 5:21 pm:
To Joe’s point… is someone on the Magic List now leaking emails? And to what end?
- D train - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 5:43 pm:
what other chicago utilities does Mike Mc have his hands in?
- Just Me 2 - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 5:44 pm:
Still no response from any female House Democratic legislators, past or present. Their silence is deafening.
- Dont know - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 5:45 pm:
So its encouraged to get Madigan’s OK for the lobbyists that will he hired to lobby …Madigan. Otherwise your bill or amendment might be buried in Rules. This is really bad at best, illegal at worse. Dang. And I really like the people mentioned in the story.
- Sonny - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 5:53 pm:
I’m sure he bcc’d everyone so they are in the clear. Phew.
- ArchPundit - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 5:54 pm:
===“So, again, on behalf of Himself, I thank you for ALL your work to help him and the Caucus.”
He forgot to capitalize Him. Seriously, are there any cases other than royalty or God that have their pronouns capitalized?
I’ve been skeptical that Madigan was in much trouble until the last week or two. This isn’t because I think Madigan is pure of spirit, but because I thought he was obsessively careful. Clearly not as much as I thought.
It’s also a lesson in why you don’t allow one guy to have nearly all the power in a political party for so long.
- rollercoast - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 6:06 pm:
== - Just Me 2 - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 5:44 pm:
Still no response from any female House Democratic legislators, past or present. Their silence is deafening. ==
What is it you want them to do or say or about this particular issue?
- Dont know - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 6:10 pm:
==Clearly not as much as I thought.==. Or, as I have been thinking, absolute power over the years caused him to be less careful as time wore on and things stayed the same.
- OneMan - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 6:11 pm:
Amen Arch…
Looks like folks got sloppy in the age of technology.
But yeah, this is why you don’t keep the same guy in power that long
- Trackback - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 6:12 pm:
==
- Joe Bidenopolous - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 4:54 pm:
I’m very curious who’s leaking the emails ==
someone interested in eliminating competition. someone who benefited from McClain’s old school way and now wants to bury him. someone who likes seeing others pulled through the dirt. someone who wants more power. or all the above.
- Centennial - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 6:17 pm:
@Trackback: Oof. With friends like that…
- low level - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 6:21 pm:
Steve- great link showing contributions from 30 years ago /s
- Nagidam - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 6:22 pm:
===I’m very curious who’s leaking the emails ===
My guess is that the people that were on the “Magic Lobby List” and then were culled probably are these unnamed sources. I suppose someone in the know could figure out some former Madigan loyalists that suddenly are on the outs.
- Anon 6:33 - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 6:34 pm:
Is there really a question on who leaked the emails? Folks, it was the more likely the feds. The feds likely leaked the emails to the Tribune.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 6:41 pm:
===Folks, it was the more likely the feds===
I think it was more likely this person: “The Democratic source who has seen the email said”
- Anon 6:33 - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 6:45 pm:
OK, I concede that could be the one. LOL
FBI agents could vote Democratic though, just sayin.
- dont know - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 6:58 pm:
== I think it was more likely this person: “The Democratic source who has seen the email said”==.
OK Rich, perhaps, but that still begs the question of why this person would leak the emails and the list? Apparently this person was one of the magic lobbyists this past year, not kicked off, so its not like they had a reason to get back at them.
- Lincoln Lad - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 6:59 pm:
A lot of people in a lot of trouble on the Dem-side these days… emails will be leaked, tales will be told. Prospect of prison will do that to you.
- Kauaijim - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 7:04 pm:
I suppose those lobbyists not on the list must feel bad about being B players
- Anon 6:33 - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 7:04 pm:
The Dem source could be confirming on background what the feds shared with WBEZ and the Tribune.
- Dont know - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 7:09 pm:
==confirming on background==.
Yes, true, however in that situation its still someone who is an insider’s insider to know who those people are. Someone w Springfield experience and not just your average Chicago or Cook County Dem operative or politician.
- Roads Scholar - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 7:31 pm:
The fact that a credible defense of Himself can’t be put forth within this comment section says something.
- Grandson of Man - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 7:44 pm:
“Adding… if there was enough to go on…he’d be charged by now.”
Don’t the feds need evidence to tie Madigan directly to the passage of legislation that benefits the lobbyists’ clients? Lots of legislation is passed that benefits those who lobby for it, with lots of sponsors.
- Anyone Remember - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 7:52 pm:
Lotta “unnamed source” … . A real person would create credibility …
- Joe Bidenopolous - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 8:47 pm:
==someone interested in eliminating competition. someone who benefited from McClain’s old school way and now wants to bury him. someone who likes seeing others pulled through the dirt. someone who wants more power. or all the above.==
==I think it was more likely this person: “The Democratic source who has seen the email said”==
This is where I was going with my question. When I read the Trib, I thought Quinn’s ex-wife’s attorney, but after WBEZ I think the above is more spot on. Someone who perceives danger and wants to get in front of it, someone disgruntled, someone wanting to get ahead etc. All that said, the list of potential suspects - if that’s the case - is a pretty short one. I know I have my guesses.
==who is an insider’s insider to know who those people are==
If you work in Springfield, you should know who these people are, or you really don’t work in Springfield
- Paul Powell’s Shoebox - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 8:50 pm:
The feds are going to take the Magic list and just squeeze the heck out of those guys, eventually one will cough up on Himself to save his skin
Himself is firmly caught in the g’s prosecutorial trap
- revvedup - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 8:55 pm:
What a tangled web they’ve weaved. Hands in each other’s pockets while fleecing the ‘nobody’s nobody sent’ by selling legislation and Legislators wholesale. Ethics laws are meaningless in this environment.
- DownStateGrl - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 9:38 pm:
I have received a similar request in the past, though by phone. I must be one who was culled off the list (probably for lack of return in terms of donations). I am okay with that. I do alright. I do good work for my clients. I don’t worry whether my conversations are being recorded because there would be nothing of note to record/capture/etc… I sleep well.
- dont know - Thursday, Nov 21, 19 @ 10:49 pm:
== you work in Springfield, you should know who these people are, or you really don’t work in Springfield==. Joe B
Yes, thats why the very next sentence reads “someone with Springfield experience.” In other words, not someone only familiar with Chicago or Cook Cty Dems. Someone who has to know Springfield is the person who may have given background.
- Periodically - Friday, Nov 22, 19 @ 8:19 am:
I believe that lobbying expenses for the utilities are recovered from the ratepayers. Assuming that ComEd willingly paid an upcharge to access the talent on the “magic” list, does that mean that ratepayers have been paying an unjustified expense? If so, shouldn’t CUB, the ICC, and the AG on all be looking at trimming back ComEd’s recovery of such expenses?
- Rich Hill - Friday, Nov 22, 19 @ 8:33 am:
The appropriate film for the federal scandal is Burn After Reading, and this development may have the Speaker emulating Gene Hackman’s character in The Conversation.
- proudstatetrooper - Friday, Nov 22, 19 @ 1:58 pm:
I have a stone in my shoe