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Breaking: Jury has found Tim Mapes, who served as former IL House Speaker Mike Madigan’s chief of staff, guilty on both counts of perjury and obstruction of Justice for lying to a grand jury investigating Madigan’s inner circle.
— Hannah Meisel (@hannahmeisel) August 24, 2023
IT was a clean sweep, as the jury checked all the boxes for each alleged lie
— Jason Meisner (@jmetr22b) August 24, 2023
Tim Mapes seemed to display no reaction to the verdict. He seemed to check his phone quickly afterward.
— Jon Seidel (@SeidelContent) August 24, 2023
On count 1, perjury, the jury checked all seven boxes for the seven lies Mapes purportedly told during the grand jury testimony. The government only had to prove one of the seven at minimum.
— Hannah Meisel (@hannahmeisel) August 24, 2023
Mapes' sentencing is set for Jan. 10, though the judge acknowledges it could change.
— Jon Seidel (@SeidelContent) August 24, 2023
Mapes QUICKLY left the Dirksen Federal Courthouse, only to be met with a swarm of cameras as he walked from Dearborn to Jackson.
— Jon Seidel (@SeidelContent) August 24, 2023
Mapes, his attys and son quickly exited the Dirksen Federal Courthouse after the verdict was read. https://t.co/0xewcXDZ1m pic.twitter.com/Y1KPFAXx3E
— Hannah Meisel (@hannahmeisel) August 24, 2023
He’s facing 20 years on the obstruction charge and 5 years for perjury.
…Adding… Alaina Hampton…
Alaina Hampton issued the following statement on Thursday following a jury’s decision to convict Tim Mapes of perjury:
“I have always said that my experience was the symptom of a toxic culture, and that it started at the top. Tim Mapes was as close to the top as it gets.
“Through these court proceedings, we have all had the chance to read the transcripts and listen to the recorded phone calls of Mapes and his closest colleagues strategizing in their efforts to undermine the Me Too movement in Illinois. None of it comes as a surprise.
“The Defense attempted to paint Tim Mapes as a victim worthy of pity after his resignation. It seems clear they were intentionally trying to divert attention from the reason for his resignation in the first place–his habitual sexual harassment and bullying of Sherri Garrett.
“Today’s verdict was an important step in the direction of full justice. But there’s more to be done.”
* Leader McCombie…
In light of the guilty verdict handed to Tim Mapes, former Speaker Mike Madigan’s right-hand man, House Republican Leader Tony McCombie issued the following statement:
“We have had too many glaring reminders that we must eliminate bad actors, self-serving politicians, and corruption from our statehouse, and this is just another verdict to prove it. It would be appalling if Speaker Welch did not move forward legislation House Republicans have filed to address ethics and instill public trust in our government.”
“While I strongly believe reform should start in the House, if Speaker Welch continues to stall on reforming the corrupt practices of this state, I hope President Harmon and the Senate will take the lead.”
* Sherri Garrett…
Following is a statement from Sherri Garrett regarding today’s verdict in Tim Mapes’ federal perjury trial. Garrett is the former Illinois House staff member whose public statements about her sexual harassment by then-Chief of Staff Mapes led to his resignation in 2018.
“Through the course of this trial, we’ve learned about the ways that Mr. Mapes and the rest of the inner circle of that organization worked to discredit those of us who were speaking out about our toxic work environment. My experience speaking out about the sexual harassment I endured in 2018 was painful–and more painful was knowing that there were countless others like me who were too afraid of Mr. Mapes to come forward and speak their own truths. I hope that those individuals feel some relief today, as I know I do. I remain hopeful, as I have all along, that more people will now feel safe coming forward, knowing that their stories can lead to real change.”
* Tribune story…
The jury of six men and six women deliberated for about 5 hours before delivering the verdict in U.S. District Judge John Kness’ courtroom.
Mapes, 68, of Springfield, faces up to 20 years in prison on the attempted obstruction count, while perjury calls for a maximum of five years behind bars.
The decision marked the conclusion of a nearly three-week criminal case that centered on relatively straightforward charges yet delved deeply into the behind-the-scenes political intrigue of the scandals that rocked Madigan’s office and ended his decadeslong grip on power.
The panel sent out only two notes during the deliberations Thursday, asking for a copies of the grand jury transcript of Mapes’ questioning as well as the indictment. The judge promised to send a hard copies back to the jury room.
* Rep. Kelly Cassidy…
State Rep. Kelly Cassidy issued the following statement on Thursday in response to the
conviction of Tim Mapes:“Today’s verdict is a vindication for those who, over the years, were willing to stand up and speak out in the face of injustice and abuse by Mapes and his boss. More importantly, I hope it brings closure and some peace to those who shared their stories with me privately but still feared retribution from Mapes. Testimony in this trial showed the extent to which he retained a hand in the Speaker’s political operation, perhaps justifying their concern.”
“Anyone who has spent any time at all in the Capitol has to have found the defense’s attempt to portray Mapes as a victim who was ‘devastated’ by his completely justified removal as Madigan’s Chief of Staff and Executive Director of the Democratic Party of Illinois laughable at best. Mapes used his power to deliver abuse, harassment, and bullying customized for maximum impact on his victims.”
“We’ve taken some important steps forward, but it’s critical that we remain vigilant to prevent future entrenchment and concentration of power while we continue to expand protections for those who experience harassment in the Capitol.”
* Rep. Haas…
In response to the guilty verdict of former chief of staff to Michael Madigan, Tim Mapes, Assistant House Minority Leader Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee) released the following statement:
“Another day, another conviction. If this isn’t a glaring sign that the culture of corruption that has plagued our state government must end, I don’t know what is. Although House Republicans are the minority in the House, we will always call out a problem when we see it. Why isn’t the revolving door halted? Why is self-interest placed above public service? Why are Republican bills to impose leadership term limits in the General Assembly, empower the Legislative Inspector General, and impose a 3-year lobbying ban for General Assembly members still stuck in Rules Committee?
“These principles are more important now than ever, and I certainly hope they are a top priority in the upcoming veto session in October.”
* HRO…
Statement from House Republican Organization Following Guilty Verdict in Mapes Trial
SPRINGFIELD - “In the end, protecting Madigan and his corrupt system at all costs comes with consequences. With yet another conviction in the string of corruption trials in Illinois, a jury again sees clearly that those who were working to protect Madigan’s criminal enterprise were not working for the good of Illinois. This guilty verdict is a good step towards holding the insiders accountable but more reform must be done to tear down the Madigan system.” - Tony Esposito, Executive Director of the Illinois House Republican Organization
* In response to Leader McCombie’s statement, here’s Speaker Welch’s spokesperson, Jaclyn Driscoll…
In addition to electing a new Speaker, hiring a new chief of staff, and building a new, diverse leadership team, the House recently passed comprehensive ethics reform, which Republicans voted against, and hired a new Legislative Inspector General who has a reputation of tenacity and independence. Speaker Welch has always said he believes in due process, and a guilty verdict is a signal the law is working. However, if the minority leader has any ideas on how to strengthen federal perjury laws, we’re all ears.
* ILGOP…
“The culture of corruption that Illinois Democrats fostered for decades is finally being exposed and prosecuted. There is more work to be done, but Illinois citizens deserve a government that works for them, not just for political insiders and their special interest allies.” - ILGOP Chairman Don Tracy
* SGOP Leader John Curran…
“Today’s conviction of the longtime Executive Director of the Illinois Democratic Party and House Democratic Chief of Staff delivers another clear message to the General Assembly that reform is needed. We must do more to empower local law enforcement officials with the same investigative tools that Federal Authorities possess, including wiretapping and grand jury authority. The Senate Republicans will continue to work for these reforms and others to help root out corruption and restore the trust and confidence of all Illinois citizens.”
* Feds…
The convictions were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Robert W. “Wes” Wheeler, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; and Justin Campbell, Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julia Schwartz and Diane MacArthur.
“Perjury and obstruction of justice are serious offenses that strike at the heart of the truth-seeking mission of the grand jury,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Pasqual. “This conviction should stand as a clear message to witnesses who choose to violate their oath to tell the truth before a grand jury that they will be held accountable.”
“There is no justice without truth,” said FBI SAC Wheeler. “Attempts to undermine the prosecutorial process chip away at trust in our institutions, and this conviction shows that we continue to work with our partners to ensure the integrity of our judicial system.”
“Citizens should expect that former public officials will maintain their integrity and be truthful even when it is inconvenient,” said IRS-CI SAC Campbell. “The investigation that resulted in this conviction is a testament to IRS-CI’s and our law enforcement partners’ commitment to ensuring that individuals who do not testify truthfully in the grand jury will be brought to justice.”
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 2:38 pm
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That didn’t take long.
Hope it was worth it.
Comment by OneMan Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 2:40 pm
No surprise there. Good riddance.
Comment by Moi Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 2:41 pm
It will never not be impressive how much people can never seem to figure out that once the feds start sniffing around you should either just shut up or flip. Anything else just guarantees you dig a deeper hole for yourself.
Comment by Homebody Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 2:41 pm
Hoping that this will be a transformative event that make Mapes a better person.
Comment by Frumpy White Guy Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 2:42 pm
“Mapes found guilty of perjury and obstruction”
Now on to the big fish. Having the Mapes conviction in hand gives the feds a huge squeeze play on MJM.
Comment by Donnie Elgin Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 2:44 pm
Mapes should start working on that thing where he slices the garlic with a razor blade so thin that it melts in the hot oil.
Comment by dr. jimmy Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 2:44 pm
What are sentencing guidelines on something like this? Will he do jail time?
Comment by So_Ill Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 2:44 pm
Who exactly is going to be grateful enough he perjured himself that they’ll even visit him?
A: No one
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 2:44 pm
=== once the feds start sniffing around you should either just shut up or flip. ===
Just so you know he didn’t have the option to “shut up”.
Comment by Hannibal Lecter Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 2:45 pm
They all seemed to think they were untouchable…
Comment by NIU Grad Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 2:48 pm
I notice Leader McCombie’s statement says nothing about Donald Trump surrendering on his fourth indictment today. Crickets from the Republicans about the Donald, but calls for ethics reform because a liar got caught lying. How do you reform that?
Comment by Springfield Watcher Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 2:50 pm
Noted.
Comment by Anyone Remember Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 2:51 pm
As the old saying goes, he made his bed, now he’ll have to lay in it.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 2:52 pm
Keeping in mind his other option;
* Wholly retire, leave “the life”, move on to enjoy your later years, a second act not likely.
* Tell every truth, get the fullest of immunity, talk to these same folks the same amount of time you would if you went to prison.
* Sleep in your own bed.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 2:54 pm
The Mapes family made clear, there was no “friendship” with the Madigans, barely a “relationship”, they got together socially “as work deemed”…
If you look at a relationship as less than a friendship but more than an option… why would you go to prison for “these people”?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 2:58 pm
No surprise… and the correct verdict. Once again, I wonder if there is any remorse felt by ‘himself’. Fear of his own future outcome for sure, but likely no remorse for those going to jail on his behalf.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 2:59 pm
Now the question becomes who will Mapes roll on to reduce his sentence? Is he finally at a point where he will reveal what he knows? Certainly does not seem like McClain has flipped but who knows?
Comment by Barbie Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:03 pm
Well, we’ve done it. No more corruption or sexual harassment in government ever again.
Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:04 pm
Mapes decided he would rather go to prison than testify against Madigan. Decisions have consequences.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:04 pm
=== Now the question becomes who will Mapes roll on to reduce his sentence? ===
Once you go to trial, flipping is not an option. Also, he has a perjury conviction - he is useless to the feds now.
Comment by Hannibal Lecter Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:06 pm
=== Is he finally at a point where he will reveal what he knows?===
First, he’s been convicted of perjury. He’d be a lousy witness even without his own personality, um, issues. Second, unless he knows something the government doesn’t after months of FBI wiretaps, email and document subpoenas, etc. he’s got nothing much to give. Third, even if he did have something, the ComEd Four trial strongly indicates that Madigan is a cooked goose. They don’t need him. Never did, actually.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:06 pm
The game theorists behind the Prisoner’s Dilemna get it wrong again.
Comment by ArchPundit Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:08 pm
Hanbibal in state court flipping is not really beneficial in terms of sentencing after trial but the federal sentencing guidelines certainly take cooperation into consideration even if it is after a guilty plea or verdict. Jeff Toboloski pled guilty a few years ago and they still have not sentenced him surely because they are utilizing him as a resource. His resourcefulness will be reflected in the downward departure he may get at sentencing.
Comment by Barbie Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:10 pm
Too bad his pension is not on the line - his commissary account would be thin without it.
Comment by Donnie Elgin Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:11 pm
I think more heads are gonna roll. Now all the Reporters will have several months investigating and writing stories on all the Madigan people still holding positions of Authority all through State, County, and City Government. It’s gonna get very interesting.
Comment by Ryder Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:13 pm
=== why would you go to prison for “these people”? ===
Good question OW. I was going to say the allure of power and the sweetness once attained. However. He fell from power and should not have expected a return and the trial showed no financial benefit.
Que será, será
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:13 pm
The sentencing guidelines have not yet been prepared but I am sure Mapes is aware of the range he is looking at. While the feds may have all they need on MJM there are still public corruption matters percolating out in the southwest suburbs otherwise why hasn’t Jeff Tobolski been sentenced? Surely Mapes has info to deal and at the federal level, the court will consider the depth and degree of cooperation even after a conviction.
Comment by Barbie Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:18 pm
It is time those MJM loyalist still in the house stop trying to punish the 19 and take a long look in the mirror. Maybe look at a few in leadership.
Comment by Old school Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:20 pm
===I think more heads are gonna roll====
Mapes head didn’t have to roll! He was not accused
of any illegal act after all the taps. He was asked simple questions and none involved criminal activity. He flunked his “immunity” test.
Comment by Henry Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:22 pm
Will Madigan go to court as a character witness at sentencing or just send a letter?
Comment by DuPage Saint Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:22 pm
Anyone Remember:
Came here to say that but you beat me to it!
Comment by DownStateMom Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:23 pm
=== once the feds start sniffing around you should either just shut up or flip. ===
Or, in this case, Mapes could have just told the truth: McClain and I kept a close business relationship and regularly discussed matters pertaining to the House and the speaker; McClain routinely did assignments for the speaker and continued to do so even after officially retiring from lobbying; and, from time to time, we would confer about those assignments.
How hard would that be?
Comment by Ringo Starlight Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:25 pm
===Maybe look at a few in leadership.===
Couldn’t agree more Old school. There are a couple of people in that leadership that were around with Madigan, McClain, Mapes and Blagojevich and they are itching for a return of the old days. May be time to send those folks packing too.
Comment by Former Springfield Reporter Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:26 pm
A convicted liar… nothing he says now is useful in front of a jury. He’s really destroyed himself… no way to turn back.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:27 pm
===or just send a letter?===
With kindest personal regards I remain,
Sincerely yours.
Michael J. Madigan
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:29 pm
=== Ryder - Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:13 pm:
I think more heads are gonna roll. Now all the Reporters will have several months investigating and writing stories on all the Madigan people still holding positions of Authority all through State, County, and City Government. It’s gonna get very interesting. ==
What does this mean? Anyone who worked for Madigan or Mapes should be expelled or ostracized except those you deem exempt? Do you know how foolish that sounds. Particularly given there are people who were doing their jobs and impacted by Mapes. You’re advocating a witch hunt.
Comment by Thoughts Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:29 pm
“Once again, I wonder if there is any remorse felt by ‘himself’”
he is consumed by remorse. He’s paralyzed by remorse. there is simply no question that he is very, very sorry he got caught.
Comment by jim Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:30 pm
Wonder if Tim Mapes has Michael Monico on speed dial? Monico was effective in negotiating Eddie Vrdolyak’s short sentences during his trials for bribery, wire fraud, mail fraud, and tax evasion.
Might be time for Mapes’ conversation with Mr. Monico.
Comment by Rudy’s teeth Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:30 pm
2-0 for feds, soon to be triple play???
Comment by Red headed step child Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:31 pm
some good people have gone down in the service of a master. he is not one of them. cartwheels.
Comment by Amalia Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:31 pm
The bad actors in both parties need some jail time to realize that public service is a gift, not a right.
Comment by Appears Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:32 pm
What a career. He spent decades making nearly everyone he interacted with hate him, only to be forced to retire in humiliation.
Instead of reflecting and cashing his massive pension checks he decides to get himself thrown in prison, for what appears to be no reason at all.
Not everyone gets what they deserve in life, in this case I think Mapes truly earned it.
Comment by Excitable Boy Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:34 pm
the 3% cola on his pension may help
Comment by Hank Sauer Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:35 pm
-Excitable Boy at 3:34
You nailed it! Exactly right…
Comment by Lincoln Lad Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:38 pm
===Eddie Vrdolyak===
ERV is over 80 and in failing health (aging a factor)
Mapes was seen fit, ably moving in his movements and functions, via tweet Mapes was looking at his “smart watch”
It’s not like Mapes was attached to oxygen tanks in a wheelchair
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:40 pm
=“We have had too many glaring reminders that we must eliminate bad actors, self-serving politicians, and corruption from our statehouse, and this is just another verdict to prove it. It would be appalling if Speaker Welch did not move forward legislation House Republicans have filed to address ethics and instill public trust in our government.”=
Should the ILGA now begin investigating the prosecutors? That would be the gop thing to do.
Mapes is a complete chump (there is a better word but it is banned here). His misguided sense of omerta has cost him time in jail and probably a lot of time. Had he simply told the truth he would be enjoying retirement. Such a fool for a guy that would never have done the same for him.
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:41 pm
Makes you wonder what Madigan has on him that would be worse than a potential 25 years in prison.
Comment by Jed Bartlett Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:50 pm
In the HRO statement -
Substitute ‘Trump’ for ‘Madigan’ and ‘America’ for ‘Illinois’… it works perfectly. No need for AI, did it all myself.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:51 pm
This one is for all the “volunteers” from his House staff he would make take turns camping out in front of the board’s office throughout the weekend without pay.
Comment by ste_with a v_en Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:54 pm
“But Madigan” unfortunately for the residents, the state had been run by a corrupt organization for a number of years.
Comment by Spooky32 Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 3:59 pm
This is brought to you by unchecked power and greed. Divided partisan government works best.
Comment by Spooky32 Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 4:01 pm
However, the focus on the HRO statement and “orange man bad.”
Comment by Spooky32 Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 4:03 pm
When I hear of Mapes, I think of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. “I work for E.H. Harriman of the Union Pacific Railroad”. Look what it got him.
Comment by Bogey Golfer Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 4:04 pm
24-37 months is my very back of the envelope federal sentencing guideline range estimate, depending on if he accepts responsibility at the sentencing hearing.
Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 4:08 pm
The State was run by multiple corrupt organizations for years from both parties. Examples are George Ryan and Blago. Madigan is a bad actor. A very bad one. But he is just one of a number that have gone to jail, or should go to jail.
Comment by Appears Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 4:11 pm
==Now all the Reporters will have several months investigating and writing stories on all the Madigan people still holding positions of Authority==
Reporters have had since 2020 to look into this.
Comment by low level Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 4:15 pm
Speaker Welch has always said he believes in due process
Chuckle……like when he shut/stonewalled the GA Committee investigation of Madigan down.
Meet the new boss…same as the old boss….
Comment by It's always Sunny in Illinois Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 4:28 pm
Now we will all watch the County Clerk’s Office more closely.
Comment by Amalia Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 4:31 pm
=== Now we will all watch the County Clerk’s Office more closely. ===
Why the County Clerk? What does that have to do with anything?
Comment by Hannibal Lecter Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 4:34 pm
apparently that’s where his son is a lawyer.
Comment by Amalia Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 4:36 pm
- It’s always Sunny in Illinois -
Madigan resigned, no?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 4:37 pm
‘I can say - having watched this 80 lb.Tyrant for some time - that being ‘cuddly’ and ‘jolly’ were not among his specialties’. Anonymous
Comment by Sayitaintso Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 4:37 pm
Terry Deering use to call him Fluff on the floor. Seems like a good nickname for prison.
Comment by Todd Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 4:40 pm
=== apparently that’s where his son is a lawyer. ===
Ok. But what does his son have to do with any of this? He wasn’t alleged to have lied to a grand jury.
I am very skeptical of efforts to try and drag family members down with others that were found to have engaged in wrongdoing.
Comment by Hannibal Lecter Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 4:40 pm
well, his name was in a Tribune article about patronage and the office just last month so it’s not like this is a secret. family members of pols who have business in government get mentioned all the time.
Comment by Amalia Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 4:56 pm
=== well, his name was in a Tribune article about patronage and the office just last month so it’s not like this is a secret. family members of pols who have business in government get mentioned all the time. ===
But you said we need to watch the office now just because his son worked there. I found that kind of strange, as if you were advocating for trying to get his son cancelled bc of all of this.
Comment by Hannibal Lecter Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 5:25 pm
===son cancelled===
There was no call for his firing.
Slow down, speed racer.
Also… children shouldn’t pay for the “sins of the father”
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 5:30 pm
Sorry but I have to say “was his defense worth it?”, so much money and not good. Cheaper to tell the truth.
Comment by Andy Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 5:35 pm
==This one is for all the “volunteers” from his House staff ==
For myself, I always have been grateful I had the chance to work and learn from such talented people who had a reputation for excellence across the country.
Comment by low level Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 5:39 pm
Takeaway lessons
1) You can do lots of good things for folks, but the ends don’t justify the means if the means are illegal and/or unethical. And, those bad acts will become your legacy.
2) What’s good for the goose (Madigan, Mapes, etc.) is good for the gander (Trump et al). Take note Republicans - the press releases and pontification fall flat when you turn a blind eye to or, even worse, continue to support a bad actor while crowing about the bad actors on the other side.
3) Absolute power etc. We (voters, legislators, financial backers, etc) need to pull in the reins on any leader who attempts to (or succeeds in) acquiring too much power. We see plenty of attempts (Madigan, Trump, J. Edgar Hoover, etc) and it never ends well.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 6:07 pm
He’ll be fine.
Comment by Just Me 2 Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 6:14 pm
Hannibal Lecter 5:23pm—-the Chicago Tribune reported that TM’s son worked there with another attorney who is a long term Madigan Pct Cptn and who’s wife was a former long time Madigan Staffer and now Lobbyist. Doesn’t make them bad people or employees I agree.
Comment by Ryder Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 7:51 pm
- grateful I had the chance to work and learn from such talented people who had a reputation for excellence across the country. -
Even after the events of the last few years you’re all still legends in your own minds. Good luck with that.
Comment by Excitable Boy Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 8:57 pm
===But he is just one of a number that have gone to jail, or should go to jail.===
How far back do you want to go? Edgar? Thompson? Stratton (without Dirksen’s courtroom antics)? Dwight Green? Len Small? Joel Matteson?
Comment by Anyone Remember Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 9:41 pm
Maybe this is Mapes being Frank Pentangelli after talking to Tom Hagen. Not to that extreme obviously but maybe there is something in the past that he feels some bigger obligation for. No idea what that could be to go to jail for. And still not sure why he lied about those benign questions that don’t seem to implicate anyone of anything though.
Comment by Been There Thursday, Aug 24, 23 @ 10:37 pm