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* Hmm…
JUST IN: @RayLong just got the exclusive react from Mike McClain's lawyer, the charges were “the result of a misguided investigation and misapplication of the law driven by an obvious desire to find some way to criminally implicate” Speaker Madigan.
— Jason Meisner (@jmetr22b) November 19, 2020
The goal, according to Cotter, was the apply “maximum pressure on Mike McClain” in order to get to Madigan, something he is unwilling to help with.
“Mike McClain cannot agree to allegations that are untrue, even to escape the crippling weight of the government’s attacks."— Jason Meisner (@jmetr22b) November 19, 2020
* And…
"After enduring months of baseless innuendo and misinformation, Pramaggiore … is confident a review will reaffirm her unwavering adherence to the highest ethical standards and finally put to rest the damaging speculation that any actions she took constitute illegal activity."
— Jason Meisner (@jmetr22b) November 19, 2020
* And…
From Jay Doherty's attorneys, Mike Gillespie and Gabrielle Sansonetti: "Mr. Doherty was just made aware that he’s been indicted. He intends to plead not guilty because he is not guilty of these charges."
— Jason Meisner (@jmetr22b) November 19, 2020
*** UPDATE *** Here’s the full McClain statement from Pat Cotter…
During his career of more than 50 years, Mike McClain has served the people of the State of Illinois both as a public servant and an advocate. He is an honest and honorable man – as everyone who has worked with him well knows.
The charges filed today by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois are the result of a misguided investigation and misapplication of the law, driven by an obvious desire to find some way to criminally implicate a current elected official, who happens to be Mike McClain’s longtime friend.
In its zeal to find any evidence of criminal misconduct by that official, the Government is attempting to rewrite the law on bribery and criminalize long-recognized legitimate, common, and normal lobbying activity into some new form of crime. The goal of these meritless charges is clear: to apply maximum pressure on Mike McClain, and others, to help the Government in its efforts against his friend. But Mike McClain cannot agree to allegations that are untrue, even to escape the crippling weight of the Government’s attacks.
Mike McClain absolutely denies that he has committed any crime, and he will fight these charges as long as it takes, and as long as his age and health allow, to restore his well-earned honest and honorable reputation.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Nov 18, 20 @ 7:54 pm
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
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I’d play this card too if I were indicted by an underling of Donald Trump and Bill Barr.
Comment by Precinct Captain Wednesday, Nov 18, 20 @ 8:01 pm
Pat Cotter is a great guy, but sorry, I’m not buying it. In one of her emails to McClain she said, “You take good care of me and so does our friend and I will do the best that I can to take care of you.” Combine that with the evidence and I might call that a quid pro quo. As to the other statements, I say, uh huh. Sure. Whatever you say. These are totally normal activities.
Comment by Southern Skeptic Wednesday, Nov 18, 20 @ 8:54 pm
===I might call that a quid pro quo===
The question the lawyer is posing is, are either the quid or the quo actually illegal. You can have quid pro quo all day for stuff that’s within legal bounds. Gonna be an interesting case for sure.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Nov 18, 20 @ 9:55 pm
Pramaggiore’s statement that she “rejects” the government charges rather than that she denies them is most interesting to those who look for relevant clues in parsed words. Also, it’s sad that Doherty has at least temporarily ruined the good will and good name of the historic City Club of Chicago. Sincere kudos to Rich for choosing to avoid his usual spot at City Club last Christmas and to others of integrity who did the same.
Comment by Responsa Thursday, Nov 19, 20 @ 6:58 am
In light of Illinois’ reputation for political corruption, it’s going to be quite a hurdle to argue “this is just politics” to an Illinois jury.
Comment by BeenThereDoneThat Thursday, Nov 19, 20 @ 9:27 am
how does the Virginia pol case…overturned by USSC….play into this?
Comment by Amalia Thursday, Nov 19, 20 @ 9:36 am