Michael Madigan's Long-Serving Legislative Career Marred by Corruption Charges

Michael Madigan's stunning political collapse culminates Friday when the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history is sentenced on federal bribery, conspiracy, and wire fraud convictions tied to a scheme to push legislation in exchange for jobs and contracts for his associates. The former Illinois House speaker was convicted in February on 10 of 23 counts in a remarkable corruption trial that lasted four months. During a legislative career that spanned a half-century, Madigan served nearly four decades as speaker, the longest on record for a U.S. legislator, and controlled much of the state's political agenda while handpicking candidates for political office.

Key Takeaways:

• Madigan's corruption scheme spanned nearly a decade, with prosecutors alleging that he used his power to secure do-nothing jobs for his allies and attempt to line his own pockets with legal business.
• The former Illinois House speaker amassed a net worth of $40 million through his private legal career, while controlling political mapmaking and handpicking candidates for office.
• Madigan's attorneys are seeking probation, contending that a 12 1/2-year prison term recommended by prosecutors would "condemn an 83-year-old man to die behind bars for crimes that enriched him not one penny."
• The jury deadlocked on six counts, including an overarching racketeering conspiracy charge, and acquitted Madigan on seven others.
• Prosecutors allege that Madigan's criminal activity was particularly egregious because it involved efforts to enrich himself and maintain his political power.
• Defense lawyers called the government's recommended sentence "draconian" and, given Madigan's age, a life sentence.
• The court received over 200 letters of support for Madigan, many from constituents, friends, and leaders of nonprofits who lauded him for dedication, integrity, or a personal touch.

Statistics:

• Madigan's corruption trial lasted four months.
• The case spanned 60 witnesses and mountains of documents, photographs, and taped conversations.
• Madigan amassed a net worth of $40 million through his private legal career.
• The jury deadlocked on six counts and acquitted Madigan on seven others.
• 200 letters of support for Madigan were received by the court.

Sources:

• John O'Connor, "Michael Madigan's stunning political collapse will culminate Friday when the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history is sentenced"
• U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey
• Federal prosecutors
• Madigan's attorneys
• Shirley Madigan (Madigan's wife)
• A Chicago alderman seeking a paid job on a state board after retiring from government
• ComEd