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Roundup: Jury selection to begin Tuesday in Madigan’s corruption trial

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Illinois

* AP…

Once lauded as thelongest-serving legislative leader in American history, Michael Madigan will enter a federal courtroom this week on charges he used his vast influence to run a “criminal enterprise” to amass even more wealth and power.

The former Illinois House speaker is charged in a multimillion-dollar racketeering and bribery scheme that included the state’s largest utility, ComEd. […]

[S]tarting Tuesday, as potential jurors first report to court, the spotlight turns to the Chicago Democrat who was once considered the most powerful force in Illinois politics. […]

Madigan, speaker for more than three decades, is charged in a 23-count indictment with racketeering conspiracy, using interstate facilities in aid of bribery, wire fraud and attempted extortion.

* Sun-Times…

The panel, set to be chosen over four days, could hear from as many as 50 witnesses over 10 weeks. But chief among them will be Danny Solis, the veteran City Council member who prosecutors have called one of Chicago’s “most significant cooperators in the last several decades.” Solis famously turned on Madigan and other powerful politicians in 2016 by wearing an FBI wire to avoid prison.

The Chicago Sun-Times exposed Solis after it obtained an erroneously unsealed affidavit in January 2019.

That revelation didn’t stop the feds’ blockbuster investigation from upending Chicago’s power structure. Roughly 20 people have faced federal charges in the years since. Nine of them were sentenced to prison, including ex-Ald. Edward M. Burke. […]

Madigan’s defense attorneys face a team of prosecutors who secured convictions against nearly every defendant they took to trial in 2023. The feds have struggled this year, though, especially since the U.S. Supreme Court in June limited their use of a key bribery law. Chicago’s last two federal corruption trials ended without convictions.

* Tribune…

Chicago Ald. Daniel Solis was a year into his stunning turn as an FBI mole when he allegedly called up the most powerful politician in Illinois and floated three little words that are virtually taboo in the state’s political lexicon.

Quid pro quo.

With the feds listening in, Solis told then-House Speaker Michael Madigan, their prime investigative target, that the developers of a West Loop apartment tower understood that in order to get approvals done in City Hall they had to hire Madigan’s private law firm to do their property tax appeals, according to federal prosecutors.

“I think they understand they’ve got some issues that they still have to deal with me in terms of zoning,” Solis, then the head of the City Council’s Zoning Committee, told Madigan on the June 23, 2017, call, according to prosecutors. “And I think they understand how this works, you know, the quid pro quo, the quid pro quo.”

Madigan allegedly responded, “OK.”

The recording cuts to the heart of one of the key issues in Madigan’s highly anticipated racketeering trial, which gets underway this week at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse: Did Madigan know ahead of time that private benefits for himself or his friends were being exchanged for official acts?

* WTTW…

The government’s evidence in the alleged ComEd scheme was already presented in large part during the 2023 trial of the so-called “ComEd Four” — McClain and three other utility officials — who were convicted of conspiring to bribe Madigan in order to curry his favor on Springfield legislation that would benefit the company.

In that alleged scheme, Madigan and McClain are accused of arranging subcontractor jobs for several of the former speaker’s associates — including 13th Ward precinct captains Ray Nice and Ed Moody, and former Chicago Alds. Frank Olivo and Michael Zalewski — with the utility giant, which paid out more than $1 million to those individuals even as they did little or no work.

Moody previously testified at the “ComEd Four” trial that although he did receive a ComEd paycheck, he did minimal work for the company and believed he was actually being paid to continue working as a political operative on Madigan-connected campaigns.

“‘(McClain) said, ‘This was a hell of a plum and that I owed the speaker big,’” Moody testified during that trial.

* More…

* Tribune | After storied time as the ‘Velvet Hammer,’ Michael Madigan to face a jury: Jury selection begins Tuesday before U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey, with opening statements a week later, and the high-profile spectacle expected to roll deep into December. Madigan and his co-defendant, Michael McClain, a longtime confidant, former lawmaker and retired contract lobbyist for ComEd and other top companies, have pleaded not guilty.

* Center Square | Lawmakers recall former Illinois House speaker’s tactics ahead of corruption trial: [Rep. Kelly Cassidy] said she learned about Madigan’s ways earlier when the speaker’s office had some of her allies question her about betraying her values and working for then-Governor Bruce Rauner’s turnaround agenda. “During the Rauner years, there was a pretty amazing day where, as I moved through the Capitol, I was getting these really weird questions from traditional allies: a union member asking me if I was reconsidering my position on pensions, the trial lawyers asking me if I had rethought my position on workers comp, for example,” Cassidy recalled.

* Tribune | Breaking down the charges in the Michael Madigan indictment: Unofficially, it’s one of the biggest public corruption cases ever brought in Illinois, even in a state with a well-chronicled track record for blockbuster political trials. Madigan, 82, the former speaker of the Illinois House and head of the state Democratic Party, and his longtime confidant, ex-lobbyist Michael McClain, 77, are charged in a 117-page, 23-count superseding indictment filed in October 2022 with racketeering conspiracy and a host of other crimes.

* Sun-Times | Mike Madigan among cast of powerful characters ensnared in corruption cases playing out in Chicago: Most of them were convicted, some went to prison. But all were caught up in the FBI’s decade-long pursuit of Illinois’ former House speaker. Here’s a look at the individuals and businesses caught in the crossfire ahead of Madigan’s trial.

posted by Isabel Miller
Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 8:28 am

Comments

Was Danny’s quid pro quo’s for Madigan or himself

Comment by Rabid Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 10:07 am
Two things I think about Madigan are he’s the most intimidating person I ever met and he deserves jail time.

Comment by Lurker Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 10:36 am
The article triggered memories for me that Madigan was the only thing stopping Rauner’s path of destruction and he stopped it cold. So I’m grateful for that, but OTOH that was his job.

Comment by Give Us Barabbas Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 10:58 am
=== Two things I think about Madigan are he’s the most intimidating person I ever met and he deserves jail time. ===

This is why I don’t think Mike Madigan can get a fair trial. People just think he deserves to go to jail without any regard for what is being alleged. He will be convicted no matter what the evidence shows.

Comment by Barrister's Lectern Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 11:00 am
All the people bullied and harmed by the velvet hammer and the many operating with impunity because of his backing didn’t get a fair shake. I have zero sympathy for MJM or his cronies. Looks like karma to me.

Comment by Lincoln Lad Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 11:23 am
What gets me is that the charges against Madigan are pretty small potatoes. He was already a quite wealthy individual. He had exercised power for a long time. He didn’t need anything. Why did he not just retire and enjoy his older years? Why ruin his legacy?

Comment by Friendly Bob Adams Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 11:25 am
=He will be convicted no matter what the evidence shows=

He will get a fair trial - he has the some of best attorneys money can buy - if he is convicted he will deserve it.

Comment by Donnie Elgin Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 11:29 am
If you think Madigan is guilty or want Madigan to be found guilty, you better hope the case hinges on lot more than a single, “OK.”

Comment by Google Is Your Friend Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 11:29 am
Friendly- he did what he did because he is greedy and thought he was beyond the reach of the law- same reasons many wealthy powerful people commit crimes

Comment by Sue Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 11:32 am
=He didn’t need anything. Why did he not just retire and enjoy his older years?=

How many popple leave the casino when they’re ahead?

Comment by George Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 11:45 am
I guess my jury summons got lost in the mail

Comment by Unionman Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 11:47 am
You know, I kinda expected Pate or Emil to eventually get popped for something like this, and I was disappointed they didn’t, but I always thought Mike was too cerebral to fall this way. Like George Ryan, he got out of step with the way things are, and got sloppy, maybe overconfident.

Comment by Give Us Barabbas Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 11:56 am
=== He will get a fair trial - he has the some of best attorneys money can buy - if he is convicted he will deserve it. ===

I disagree. His lawyers are great, but its hard to overcome decades of negative political advertising and Tribune articles telling everyone that he is a crook. I doubt many people in that jury box will be able to make a decision without factoring in some of the stuff they read over the years.

Comment by Barrister's Lectern Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 11:59 am
=== All the people bullied and harmed by the velvet hammer ===

Who did he bully, how did he bully them, and most importantly, how was it illegal?

You might not like his style of politics, but a lot of the people I have talked to that say that he belongs in jail have not provided any support for the fact that he belongs in jail. Hurting your feelings or being against a bill you support are not reasons to send someone to jail.

Comment by Barrister's Lectern Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 12:04 pm
===Who did he bully, how did he bully them, and most importantly, how was it illegal?===

Everyone who got in his way. Anyway he could. We’ll soon find out.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 12:06 pm
==You know, I kinda expected Pate or Emil to eventually get popped for something like this, and I was disappointed they didn’t, but I always thought Mike was too cerebral to fall this way.==

Yes, Pate especially. And spot on regarding MJM. I always felt the same way.

The trial should be interesting.

Comment by low level Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 12:11 pm
I believe the Feds had a run at Pate with some guy wearing a wire and they never got anything. Perhaps he was too smart or just honest. I thought they had a better chance against Lee Daniels who threw his chief of staff (? I think) under the bus

Comment by DuPage Saint Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 12:19 pm
- He will get a fair trial - he has the some of best attorneys money can buy - if he is convicted he will deserve it. -

Will you say the same if Madigan is acquitted?

Comment by Dotnonymous x Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 1:16 pm
“I think they understand they’ve got some issues that they still have to deal with me in terms of zoning,”

Solis is referring to his quid pro quo deal?

Comment by Dotnonymous x Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 1:19 pm
===Looks like karma to me.===

No. With McDonnell v. United States, if convicted, Madigan will be the victim of a cruel SCOTUS joke.

Comment by Anyone Remember Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 1:30 pm
===Who did he bully, how did he bully them, and most importantly, how was it illegal?===

It’s hot in the kitchen…some still can’t stand the heat.

Comment by Dotnonymous x Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 1:33 pm
@Barrister’s Lectern to clarify that you think my comment means he will not get a fair trial, I can clarify my thoughts further. I think he may be acquitted in this trial and as far as I think that he deserves jail time, yes, and that is on my personal experience. Also, you defending that he was not a bully is simply inane.

Comment by Lurker Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 1:58 pm
- Danny Solis, the veteran City Council member who prosecutors have called one of Chicago’s “most significant cooperators in the last several decades.” Solis famously turned on Madigan and other powerful politicians in 2016 by wearing an FBI wire to avoid prison. -

I wouldn’t trust Solis to tell me the correct time…much less the truth.

What would Solis not say in order to avoid prison?

Comment by Dotnonymous x Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 1:59 pm
It’s not just the manner he wielded power, and yes bullied and allowed others to bully - he also hurt people through his actions and what was done on his behalf. Unnecessarily hurt people, and allowed people to be hurt. That’s not leadership, it’s wrong. There should be accountability.

Comment by Lincoln Lad Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 2:18 pm
=== @Barrister’s Lectern to clarify that you think my comment means he will not get a fair trial, I can clarify my thoughts further. I think he may be acquitted in this trial and as far as I think that he deserves jail time, yes, and that is on my personal experience. Also, you defending that he was not a bully is simply inane. ===

I didn’t interpret your comment to mean that you thought he would not get a fair trial. I interpreted your comment to mean that you think he belongs in jail regardless of what the evidence shows. Because of that mentality, which I believe is prevalent in Illinois, I do not think he will get a fair trial.

Also, I made no statement regarding whether or not he was a bully - it is just a common thing that I have heard people saying when those same people will not (either because they don’t have an example, or because they are afraid to share one) provide an example. In my experience, “bullying” has taken on a new meaning than what it meant when I was growing up.

Comment by Barrister's Lectern Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 2:53 pm
=== Unnecessarily hurt people, and allowed people to be hurt. ===

Examples please.

This goes for everyone - if this guy is the monster you all believe him to be, then someone should be able to give an example that even the most ardent of Madigan supporters would agree crossed the line.

Comment by Barrister's Lectern Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 2:55 pm
===then someone should be able to give an example that even the most ardent of Madigan supporters would agree===

Did you not see any of his apologies?

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 2:58 pm
=== Did you not see any of his apologies? ===

Who did he apologize to for unnecessarily hurting or allowing people to be hurt? I must have missed those apologies.

Comment by Barrister's Lectern Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 3:04 pm
“Like George Ryan, he got out of step with the way things are, and got sloppy, maybe overconfident.” I knew George, myself and friends helped him get elected to many positions, way before Governor. I will never forget his statement in the Dirksen courtroom to the judge, “maybe I should have kept a closer eye on my employees at the Secretary of State’s office, maybe I should have done a lot of things.” He was kind of sarcastic, while Larry Warner was apologizing.

Public office corrupts, that’s all there is to it. A lot of the criminals in public office that I’ve met, from cops to county board members, don’t even conceive that what they are doing is wrong. They are just used to doing what they do with no consequences.

Comment by Payback Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 3:26 pm
=Will you say the same if Madigan is acquitted?=

I’m old school – If MJM is acquitted – I would thank the jury for their service and I would assume they knew more about the evidence and the case than me, so they rendered a fair decision.

Comment by Donnie Elgin Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 3:43 pm
- I do not think he will get a fair trial. -

I’m no lawyer, but couldn’t he have requested a bench trial?

Comment by Excitable Boy Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 3:45 pm
===but couldn’t he have requested a bench trial? ===

Federal court system is different.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 3:51 pm
- Donnie Elgin - Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 3:43 pm:

=Will you say the same if Madigan is acquitted?=

I’m old school… -

Noted.

Comment by Dotnonymous x Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 3:55 pm
Imagine defending or making excuses for MJM. Come on now.

Comment by Wow Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 10:45 pm
===Imagine defending or making excuses for MJM.===

SCOTUS - McDonnell vs. United States. Eh?

Comment by Anyone Remember Monday, Oct 7, 24 @ 11:57 pm
===Examples please. This goes for everyone===

No. You do not ever get to set the terms of debate on my website. Period.

Bye.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Oct 8, 24 @ 1:32 am