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The case against Madigan, who resigned in 2021, is one of
Illinois’ largest corruption trials in years. The 83-year-old is
charged in a multimillion-dollar racketeering and bribery scheme
that included the state’s largest utility, ComEd.
Federal prosecutors allege the Chicago Democrat used his power
not only as speaker but in other roles, including as head of the
state Democratic Party, to run a “criminal enterprise” to amass
even more wealth and power. A 23-count indictment against him
includes racketeering conspiracy, wire fraud and attempted
extortion charges.
More than 1,000 people were mailed jury summonses. That number
was narrowed to about 180 people who reported to federal court
in Chicago on Tuesday to fill out questionnaires. Questioning by
federal prosecutors and lawyers for Madigan, and his codefendant
and longtime confidant Michael McClain, was set to begin
Wednesday.
At a pretrial hearing Tuesday, U.S. District Judge John Robert
Blakey described a “really good” showing of potential jurors,
with only two no-shows and two dismissals for cause.
Twelve jurors and six alternates will be chosen ahead of opening
statements, which are expected early next week. Testimony is
expected to last three months.
Prosecutors allege Madigan used his influence to pass
legislation favorable to electric utility ComEd. In return,
ComEd offered kickbacks, jobs and contracts to Madigan
loyalists.
Madigan and McClain have both denied wrongdoing.
“I was never involved in any criminal activity,” Madigan said
when the charges were announced in 2022.
Much of the evidence expected at trial, including wiretapped
conversations, has already been previewed in open court.
A sweeping federal investigation of public corruption in
Illinois has led to the convictions of state legislators and
Madigan’s former chief of staff. McClain and three other ComEd
officials were convicted in a separate but related case. They’ve
yet to be sentenced.
Defense attorneys expect many juror challenges because of
Madigan’s name recognition.
First elected to the Legislature in 1970, Madigan was speaker
from 1983 to 2021, except for two years when Republicans were in
control. He set much of Illinois’ political agenda, deciding
which pieces of legislation would see a vote. He controlled
several campaign funds and oversaw political mapmaking.
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