Hours of secretly recorded films and phone calls have provided a unique peek into how the longest-serving legislative leader in American history worked behind the scenes.
As former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s corruption trial enters its third month, testimony has focused on his several alleged schemes, including bribes involving the state’s largest power business and Chinatown developments that benefit his private tax firm.
Jurors heard testimony from a congresswoman, former state legislators, and the government’s star witness, a former Chicago alderman who covertly wore a wire.
Here’s a deeper look at the current trial:
The charges
Madigan, who has been speaker for almost three decades, is facing a 23-count indictment for bribery, racketeering, wire fraud, and other offenses.
Prosecutors claim he used his unrivaled influence not only as Illinois House speaker but also as chairman of the state’s Democratic Party for personal gain and to consolidate power. He is a tax attorney who has also been accused of profiting from private work that was fraudulently directed to his law firm.
The trial revealed how Madigan operated, with the distinctions between his political and personal functions blurred.
Meetings, whether political or legal in nature, were frequently held at his downtown law office. Elected people or his political advisors were frequently present, along with business associates. Even in tax-related sessions, he was referred to as “the speaker,” according to the tapes.
In a 2014 meeting illegally filmed by a businessman acting undercover, a City Council member recommended Madigan to hotel developers for a Chinatown project. Madigan presented his firm’s business.
“We’re not interested in making a quick kill here. “We’re interested in a long-term relationship,” Madigan stated. “In terms of the quality of representation that you get from this law firm, we don’t take a second seat to anybody.”
The alderman later informed a businessman, “If he works with the speaker, he will get anything he needs for that hotel.”
Star witness
Former Chicago Alderman Danny Solis’ testimony was one of the most anticipated sections of the trial. Solis was a council member for 23 years and chaired the influential zoning committee.
As Madigan sought business for his tax agency, Solis met with him to discuss projects in the alderman’s ward, which at the time included Chinatown and the trendy West Loop neighborhood near downtown.
But, unbeknownst to everyone—including his family—Solis was working with federal officials, recording meetings and phone calls.
“It was critical that the undercover work I was doing remained secret,” Solis, 75, stated in court.
He told jurors that in June 2016, federal investigators approached him and he agreed to collaborate in order to escape prison for admitting misconduct, including bribery.
However, Solis could be an untrustworthy witness.
He struggled financially, had marital troubles following an affair, and committed ethical errors, such as receiving favors from a developer who arranged for Solis to have Viagra and massages “that turned sexual.” He also said that he responded to demands from federal agents, including recommending that Madigan appoint him to a board after he left office.
Defense counsel branded Solis untrustworthy and condemned his financial misdeeds, which included using campaign cash for a trip to Puerto Rico, his son’s school tuition, and a car.
“As an alderman and as chair of the zoning committee, you committed many crimes, is that correct?” Daniel Collins, a Madigan attorney, questioned Solis during cross examination.
“Yes,” Solis replied.
Other witnesses have included U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinksi, who testified regarding Madigan’s influence in 2018 while serving as an advisor to Gov. JB Pritzker.
The recordings
Some of Solis’ videos are shaky, and it’s not obvious how he recorded them. There is extensive footage of ceilings and office walls. Many calls are short.
However, they demonstrate how Madigan, who famously did not have a telephone or an email address, operated.
In January 2018, Madigan called Solis to inquire about a proposed West Loop apartment project.
“Will that go ahead? “You understand why I am interested,” Madigan says.
Solis inquires whether Madigan knew the developers.
“No, but I’d like to,” he replies.
Solis told jurors that Madigan’s influence would benefit him, so he made introductions.
“I wanted to curry political favor with Mr. Madigan,” Solis informed jurors.
The schemes
Other elected politicians and Madigan’s former chief of staff have already been convicted as a result of an extensive investigation into public corruption in Illinois.
Among other things, Madigan is accused of exploiting his influence to promote legislation that benefits energy utility ComEd. In exchange, ComEd allegedly handed Madigan supporters money, contracts, and employment that required little or no work.
“When Madigan saw an opportunity to enrich himself, he took it,” Assistant US Attorney Sarah Streicker told the jury.
Defense attorneys have portrayed Madigan as a dedicated public servant, claiming that he is “incorruptible.”
Madigan, who has “adamantly” denied misconduct in the past, has not spoken publicly during the trial. He spends the hearings closely observing witnesses and jurors, frequently taking notes. Family members, including his daughter, former Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, have been in court.
Longtime confidant Michael McClain, 76, is also on trial alongside Madigan. McClain was previously convicted in a different, connected case. Last year, federal juries found McClain and three others guilty of a bribery scheme involving ComEd.
The trial is likely to last through mid-January.