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* Tribune…
After six days of testimony against ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan, [Ex-Ald. Daniel Solis] was off the witness stand and out of the public eye, perhaps this time for good.
His cooperation changed the state’s political trajectory, contributing to Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s improbable election, putting former Ald. Edward Burke in prison and helping dethrone Madigan, the longest serving state legislative leader in the country when he resigned in 2021 before being charged.
It also altered Solis’ own place in city history, from once-respected community leader and public servant to another fallen Chicago politician with dark secrets — in his case, bribe-taking, tax malfeasance, extramarital affairs and visits to erotic massage parlors, to name a few.
In all, Solis has been working with the government for eight-and-a-half years, including more than two years wearing a wire for the FBI and recording closed-door meetings in City Hall and elsewhere. He agreed to let the feds listen to every word spoken on his cellphone. He was questioned under oath about some of the most sordid and embarrassing moments of his life.
* Sun-Times…
Solis’ testimony ended similarly to Marquez’s. Prosecutors last month pointed to a “wholesale attack” on Marquez’s credibility and convinced Blakey to let Marquez testify about related criminal charges brought against former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, ex-ComEd lobbyist John Hooker and onetime City Club President Jay Doherty.
Defense attorneys objected, but prosecutors wanted the jury to know that even though Marquez had struck a deal with authorities to avoid prison, his fate did not rest on the outcome of Madigan’s trial.
Solis’ situation is similar, but defense attorneys did not publicly object this time. They might have done so during a private sidebar.
Still, Madigan attorney Dan Collins on Monday actually asked Solis about Burke. He brought up famous quips from the Burke case like, “did we land … the tuna?” Blakey then told jurors to disregard it.
* WGN…
Federal prosecutors highlighted Solis’ remarkable staying power and willingness to wear a wire for the FBI, revealing Solis’ signing of a Deferred Prosecution Agreement in 2016. Defense attorneys on Monday derided that agreement, arguing Solis was trying to save his own skin and City Council pension.
The government pushed back, however.
“In all this time,” asked Assistant US Attorney Diane MacArthur, “did anybody with the federal government talk to you about keeping your (city) pension?”
“No,” Solis answered.
* …Adding… Capitol News Illinois…
Mike Madigan never offered a dime to you, did he?” Collins asked, his voice raised.
MacArthur objected and after a lengthy sidebar, U.S. District Judge John Blakey told the jury to disregard the questions and answers about Burke. But on Tuesday, MacArthur was allowed to bring up Burke in her redirect, though not by name.
“Did you record … a high-ranking official in Chicago?” she asked, which Solis affirmed. “Was that high-ranking official ultimately charged?”
“Yes,” Solis replied.
* ABC Chicago…
Madigan’s defense team did their best to undermine Solis’s credibility, going through his own laundry list of criminal activity during cross-examination.
With Solis now off the stand, prosecutors delved into a series of charges that accuse Madigan of violating interstate commerce laws.
They say he used phone and email communications that crossed state lines to engage in criminal conduct.
* Jon Seidel is in the courtroom this morning…
Prosecutors didn't say why Budzinski will testify. But she could be one of these unidentified members of Gov. JB Pritzker's staff. The feds have said they'll call them to talk about Danny Solis' bid to land a state board seat through Madigan.
Budzinski is an ex-Pritzker aide. pic.twitter.com/r5Ip2lXZbJ
— Jon Seidel (@SeidelContent) December 4, 2024
posted by Isabel Miller
Wednesday, Dec 4, 24 @ 10:29 am
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===After six days of testimony against ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan, [Ex-Ald. Daniel Solis] was off the witness stand and out of the public eye, perhaps this time for good.===
I’m sure Solis hopes this is his last time in the barrel. I bet he could use a good massage after that grilling.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Dec 4, 24 @ 11:13 am
“And, there’s an undisclosed issue that could lead to days off as defense investigates.”
Could it be related to this? From the last sentence of today’s Trib print edition: “His [Rita’s] testimonty was exepected to continue the following Monday, but he never returned to the stand for reasons that have not been publickly explained.”
Comment by Anyone Remember Wednesday, Dec 4, 24 @ 11:20 am
“They say he used phone and email communications that crossed state lines to engage in criminal conduct.”
Fancy gadgets are no substitute for a good courier/bagman.
– MrJM
Comment by @misterjayem Wednesday, Dec 4, 24 @ 11:23 am
Don’t let Solis out of the public eye!
His testimony and sad life are the gifts that keep on giving this holiday season.
Comment by One Term Mayor Wednesday, Dec 4, 24 @ 12:22 pm
- “They say he used phone and email communications that crossed state lines to engage in criminal conduct.” -
Ironic considering he wouldn’t have a cell phone.
Comment by Excitable Boy Wednesday, Dec 4, 24 @ 12:31 pm
Now we know why Nikki B left state government - this is a bombshell
Comment by Here Wednesday, Dec 4, 24 @ 12:53 pm
“this is a bombshell”
Yep. She was so disgraced she went on to become a congresswoman in a tough swing district. /s
C’mon man.
Comment by Chopped Wednesday, Dec 4, 24 @ 1:17 pm
==Now we know why Nikki B left state government==
Yeah, and she faded into complete irrelevancy after, never to be heard from again.
Comment by Alton Sinkhole Wednesday, Dec 4, 24 @ 1:23 pm
==this is a bombshell==
I must have missed the bomb or the shell or both. What part of her testimony is earth shattering?
Comment by low level Wednesday, Dec 4, 24 @ 1:30 pm
when one has worked with people named either on trial or witnesses it is disturbing and sobering. and a lesson about how not to do things.
Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Dec 4, 24 @ 2:31 pm
This is how government works in Illinois. No surprise.
Not Saying it is wrong or
right-
It’s just the way it is.
Comment by Back to the Back to the Future Wednesday, Dec 4, 24 @ 2:34 pm
Does anyone know if the clout list presented in court today is accessible for viewing anywhere? Thanks!
Comment by Barbie Wednesday, Dec 4, 24 @ 2:55 pm
==This is how government works in Illinois.==
This is how government works in many states, including red ones. Shocking, I know…
Comment by low level Wednesday, Dec 4, 24 @ 3:24 pm
Have to agree with Low Level on his observation.
Comment by Back to the Future Wednesday, Dec 4, 24 @ 3:36 pm
==This is how government works in Illinois.==
And in the Trump White House apparently.
Comment by Just Me 2 Wednesday, Dec 4, 24 @ 6:18 pm