Ex-Illinois Speaker Michael Madigan takes stand in his own corruption trial
CHICAGO - Michael Madigan, the ex-speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, has taken the stand to testify in his own defense during his federal corruption trial this week.
The decision came as a shock, considering the former political powerhouse is known to seldom speak publicly.
It is arguably the most notable testimony to unfold at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse since former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich took the stand during his own corruption trial in 2011.
Madigan’s trial has been underway since October and is now expected to last several more weeks. Jurors have heard from former aides, business executives, elected officials, and others about how Madigan wielded his power and influence over state government in alleged schemes to benefit himself and allies.
Such a move by a defendant to take the stand is rare in criminal trials and comes with risks.
"It’s really a high-risk, high-reward situation," said Ron Safer, partner, Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP.
For the first time, jurors heard directly from one of the men whose fate they will soon decide. Madigan took the stand at approximately 12:40 p.m. on Tuesday, and was examined by his defense attorney until court recessed for the day just before 5 p.m.
As he testified, Madigan remained calm—answering questions confidently and charismatically.
"This is a case where it’s not so much a question of what happened, as where in the line it was. So, people were hired because Madigan wanted them hired, or because people thought he wanted them hired. Is that just politics as usual, or is that a bribe?" Safer said.
After being placed under oath, Madigan’s defense attorney, Dan Collins, first asked him: "During your career in politics, did people ask you for help?"
Madigan answered: "Yes."
Collins also asked: "Did you ever trade your public office for private gain?"
Madigan replied, "no."
Through questioning, a detailed picture was painted for the jury of Madigan’s childhood in the city's Marquette Park neighborhood.
The political maven described his father as strict and says the word "nurturing" did not exist in their home.
Safer, who is also a former federal prosecutor, says that background will be used to humanize Madigan.
"The jury has spent months talking about one percent of Madigan’s life," Safer said. "The challenge is in a few minutes to talk a little bit about the other 99 percent of his life. Who is this man whose fate you are going to decide?"
When diving into his role as Illinois House Speaker, Madigan answered questions about his interactions with ComEd and AT&T.
"He’s going to tell the jury who he is, what he was doing for the people’s good," Safer said.
When Blagojevich testified in his own defense more than a decade ago, a jury still found him guilty.
In this case, Safer explains why Madigan’s testimony might just pay off.
"In the Madigan case, it’s different. He’s not on a lot of tapes and the tapes he’s on are not particularly damning. So, it’s going to be more difficult for the government to play their greatest hits during cross-examination," said Safer.
McClain, who was once Madigan’s confidant and is also on trial, is not expected to take the witness stand.
The charges against Madigan
Madigan, the longest-serving legislative leader in American history, was charged in a 23-count indictment for bribery, racketeering, wire fraud, and other crimes.
He’s been accused of using his influence as the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives and as head of the Illinois Democratic Party to accumulate power and benefit his private tax law practice. Madigan served in the state legislature from 1971 to 2021 after he was ousted as speaker by his fellow Democrats and resigned his seat representing part of the Southwest Side of Chicago.
Among other schemes, Madigan allegedly used his influence in state government to pass legislation favorable to certain companies like ComEd, the electric utility company, in exchange for benefits like no-show jobs and internships for allies.
"When Madigan saw an opportunity to enrich himself, he took it," Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker told the jurors.
Madigan has denied wrongdoing.
His longtime confidant, Michael McClain, is also standing trial, though he was already convicted in a separate but related bribery conspiracy case last year involving ComEd.
Secret recordings
Prosecutors have played secret recordings made by witnesses like former Chicago Ald. Danny Solis, who led the city's powerful Zoning Committee.
During several hours of testimony, Solid told jurors that federal agents approached him in 2016. He then agreed to cooperate to avoid prison time for admitted wrongdoing, including bribery. Solis met with Madigan about projects in his ward as the then-speaker sought business for his tax firm.
Defense attorneys argued Solis was an unreliable witness because of past financial wrongdoing and misspending campaign funds.
Solis said Madigan’s influence would be helpful to him, so he wanted to "curry favor" with the speaker by introducing him to real estate developers whom he could recruit as clients.
What's next?
Attorneys have expressed to Judge John Robert Blakey that they would prefer closing arguments and jury instructions to take place in the same week.
Jurors will not be seated this Thursday, Jan. 9, which has been declared a National Day of Mourning for former President Jimmy Carter. Additionally, jurors will not meet on Monday, Jan. 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The trial is not held on Fridays.
Blakey told the jury he does not anticipate they will receive the case to start deliberations until the week of Jan. 27.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.