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The four now convicted defendants were accused of being involved
in a nearly decade-long bribery scheme involving the utility in
which money and jobs were funneled to Madigan associates in
exchange for favorable treatment in the state legislature.
Those convicted are former lawmaker and lobbyist Michael
McClain, former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, lobbyist John Hooker
and contract lobbyist Jay Doherty.
Madigan is facies trial next year on 23 corruption-related
charges.
Saint Xavier Professor Dave Parker says this week's verdict does
not bode well for Madigan, whose trial is set for next spring.
"He's got some problems, maybe," Parker said. "I think the jury
said that there was some really convincing and robust evidence."
Parker noted that while Madigan was not on a defendant in the
ComEd Four trial, he was a focal point throughout.
"His name came up throughout the trial, so I don't know how they
are going to position themselves or whether or not they are they
are going to say if they can get a fair trial or not with all
this publicity going on," Parker told The Center Square. "This
is so connected to his trial. It's going to give his defense
team time to prepare better. They've seen arguments that worked
and certainly the ones that didn't."
Illinois has seen a number of political scandals over the past
several decades. Parker said this is just another example of
what's wrong in Illinois government.
"In my opinion, the crux in Illinois politics and the
pay-to-play behavior is bribery and corruption, falsifying
records, it is really just business as usual," Parker said.
Madigan is set to go on trial next spring.
Andrew Hensel reports on issues in Chicago and
Statewide. He has been with The Center Square News since April
of 2021 and was previously with The Joliet Slammers.
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