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"An argument that suggests to the jury that, even if such
conduct is illegal, it is simply the way things get done in
politics should be barred," prosecutors wrote. "Accordingly,
defendants should be precluded from making argument or
presenting evidence regarding similar "political" acts engaged
in by others or suggesting that defendants' conduct was simply
part of politics or 'politics as usual.'"
Shah had not ruled on several pre-trial issues, including the
prosecution's "politics as usual" request.
Madigan served in the Illinois House from 1971 to 2021, as
speaker from 1983 to 1995 and again from 1997 to 2021. That made
him one of the state's most powerful politicians, especially
given his role as head of the Democratic party in the state. He
faces 23 counts of racketeering, bribery, and official
misconduct as part of a federal indictment. Madigan has pleaded
not guilty.
In March 2022, Madigan and convicted former lawmaker and
lobbyist Michael McClain were charged with 22 counts of
racketeering and bribery for his alleged improper dealings with
the state's largest utility, ComEd. Prosecutors further alleged
that he used his political power to unlawfully steer business to
his private law firm, Madigan & Getzendanner.
In October 2022, prosecutors filed a superseding indictment that
charged Madigan and McClain with conspiracy related to an
alleged corruption scheme involving AT&T Illinois.
A jury convicted McClain and three other former ComEd executives
and lobbyists on multiple counts of corruption in a 2023 trial.
McClain has yet to be sentenced in that case.
Madigan and McClain are scheduled to go on trial in October.
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