Madigan denies quid pro quo allegations in testimony, rejects ties to McClain's actions

CHICAGO - Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan continued his testimony in court Tuesday, facing questioning from both his attorney and the lawyer for co-defendant Mike McClain, who has been described as his political fixer.

Madigan spent the morning discussing his relationship with former Chicago Alderman Danny Solis, a key government witness who wore a wire for federal investigators. Prosecutors allege Solis acted as an intermediary, securing business for Madigan's tax appeal law firm in exchange for official government actions.

Regarding a development in the West Loop, Solis told Madigan the developer "understands how this works, the quid pro quo."

Madigan testified that he responded with "surprise and concern" and later met with Solis in person to tell him he would not be involved in any quid pro quo.

Madigan also said he had initially planned to recommend Governor J.B. Pritzker appoint Solis to a state government board but changed his mind after learning through media reports that Solis was facing legal issues.

Later, Madigan was questioned by McClain's attorney, Patrick Cotter. McClain is accused of acting as a lobbyist for ComEd and of helping secure no-work jobs for Madigan allies in exchange for Madigan's support of legislation benefiting the utility.

"Did you ever agree to exchange for some jobs at Com Ed official action you would take to help com ed legislation?" McClain's Defense Attorney Patrick Cotter asked. 

"The answer is no," Madigan responded.

"Did you ever actually take any official action to benefit a piece of Com Ed-supported legislation because of any job that Com Ed may have given to somebody you referred to, Mike McClain?" Cotter asked.

"No," said Madigan.

"Basically Madigan threw Mr. McClain under the bus," said former prosecutor Patrick Collins, who observed the proceedings today. "He’s basically said, ‘all those tapes the jury heard, that was McClain freelancing. Mr. McClain’s lawyer is now cross-examining and has a difficult job. If he says, ‘wait a minute, my guy was doing it all at your request,’ then he’s effectively admitting part of the scheme. And he’s not doing that. We’re seeing Mr. Cotter going around the edges of this."

Keep in mind, McClain is on trial because he refused to cooperate with federal prosecutors and testify against Madigan—a loyalty that seems to be a one-way street. 

Testimony is wrapped up for the rest of the week, so prosecutors likely won’t get their chance to cross-examine Madigan until next week, on Jan. 13.

With things moving slowly, it looks like this case could stretch into the end of the month before it finally heads to the jury.