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…Adding… Click here for a live video feed of today’s press conference.
* Comments will be turned on at the time of the announcement to prevent any wild speculation…
U.S. Attorney’s Office to Hold News Conference Today at 4:30 p.m.
Officials from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, and IRS Criminal Investigation Division will hold a news conference today at 4:30 p.m. to announce an indictment in a public corruption investigation.
The news conference will be held at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, 9th-floor Press Room, Dirksen Federal Building, 219 S. Dearborn St., Chicago IL 60604.
Media credentials and masks will be required to enter the building and access the news conference.
WHO: John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois
Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI Chicago Field Office
Justin Campbell, Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS-CI Chicago Field OfficeWHAT: The officials will announce an indictment in a public corruption investigation.
WHERE: U.S. Attorney’s Office, 9th-floor Press Room, Dirksen Federal Building, 219 S. Dearborn St., Chicago IL 60604
Media credentials and masks will be required to enter the building and access the news conference.WHEN: Wednesday, March 2, 2022, 4:30 p.m.
Press Room opens at 3:45 p.m.
*** UPDATE 1 *** This rumor has been hot as heck all week. Tribune…
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, for decades the most powerful politician in the state, was indicted Wednesday on federal racketeering charges alleging an array of bribery schemes aimed at using the power of his office for personal gain, sources told the Tribune.
The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury after a more than two-year investigation, sources said.
…Adding… The Sun-Times and ABC 7’s I-Team are also reporting this.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Some early react before the actual indictment is made public…
With word circulating the indictment is Mike Madigan, @GovPritzker reacts: pic.twitter.com/JPH05wJThw
— Mary Ann Ahern (@MaryAnnAhernNBC) March 2, 2022
With word circulating the indictment is Mike Madigan, @GovPritzker reacts: pic.twitter.com/JPH05wJThw
— Mary Ann Ahern (@MaryAnnAhernNBC) March 2, 2022
*** UPDATE 3 *** More Tribune…
The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury after a more than two-year investigation, according to federal prosecutors. Among the alleged schemes outlined in the indictment was a plan by utility giant Commonwealth Edison to pay thousands of dollars to lobbyists favored by Madigan in order to win his influence over legislation the company wanted passed in Springfield.
The indictment also accused Madigan of illegally soliciting business for his private property tax law firm during discussions to turn a state-owned parcel of land in Chinatown into a commercial development.
Though the land deal never was consummated, it’s been a source of continued interest for federal investigators, who in 2020 subpoenaed Madigan’s office for records and communications he’d had with key players.
*** UPDATE 4 *** Uh-oh…
It says Madigan said he would help Solis get a lucrative state board appointment by going to "[the future Governor of the State of Illinois]."
Given that was August 2018, that would appear to be J.B. Pritzker. pic.twitter.com/S7mXo8ZUjA
— Jon Seidel (@SeidelContent) March 2, 2022
In November 2018, Madigan allegedly asked for Solis' resume "because I wanna have a meeting with" Pritzker. He allegedly said his communication with Pritzker did not "need to be in writing. I can just verbally tell him." pic.twitter.com/uL52gGql7P
— Jon Seidel (@SeidelContent) March 2, 2022
*** UPDATE 5 *** Let’s go back up to the top of the indictment…
It also features former Chicago City Council member/turned government cooperator Danny Solis. pic.twitter.com/6abrcuEXX1
— Jon Seidel (@SeidelContent) March 2, 2022
*** UPDATE 6 *** Ouch…
With this new indictment, the feds really seem to be putting the squeeze on Michael McClain to cooperate. If he doesn't, he's going to be left to fight both the racketeering case with Madigan and the separate ComEd bribery case, set for trial in September.
— Jason Meisner (@jmetr22b) March 2, 2022
*** UPDATE 7 *** Press release…
A federal grand jury in Chicago today indicted former Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives MICHAEL J. MADIGAN on racketeering and bribery charges for allegedly using his official position to corruptly solicit and receive personal financial rewards for himself and his associates.
The 22-count indictment accuses Madigan of leading for nearly a decade a criminal enterprise whose purpose was to enhance Madigan’s political power and financial well-being while also generating income for his political allies and associates. The charges allege that Madigan, who served as Speaker and occupied a number of other roles, including Representative of Illinois’s 22nd District, Committeeman for Chicago’s 13th Ward, Chairman of both the Illinois Democratic Party and the 13th Ward Democratic Organization, and partner at the Chicago law firm of Madigan & Getzendanner, used these positions to further the goals of the criminal enterprise. The indictment alleges that Madigan directed the activities of his close friend – co-defendant MICHAEL F. MCCLAIN – and that McClain carried out illegal activities at Madigan’s behest. Madigan and McClain allegedly caused various businesses, including the utility company Commonwealth Edison, to make monetary payments to Madigan’s associates as a reward for their loyalty to Madigan, at times in return for performing little or no legitimate work for the businesses.
Madigan, McClain, and other members of the enterprise allegedly unlawfully solicited benefits from businesses and other private parties. The indictment accuses Madigan of engaging in multiple schemes to reap the benefits of private legal work unlawfully steered to his law firm, including legal work from those with business before the State of Illinois and City of Chicago.
Madigan, 79, of Chicago, is charged with racketeering conspiracy and individual counts of using interstate facilities in aid of bribery, wire fraud, and attempted extortion. McClain, 74, of Quincy, Ill., is charged with racketeering conspiracy and individual counts of using interstate facilities in aid of bribery and wire fraud.
Arraignments in U.S. District Court in Chicago have not yet been scheduled.
The indictment was announced by John R. Lausch, Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; and Justin Campbell, Special Agent-in-Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amarjeet S. Bhachu, Diane MacArthur, Timothy J. Chapman, Sarah E. Streicker, Michelle Kramer, and Julia Schwartz.
“Corruption by an elected official and his associates undermines the public’s confidence in our government,” said U.S. Attorney Lausch. “The indictment alleges a long-term, multifaceted scheme to use public positions for unlawful private gain. Rooting out and prosecuting the kind of corruption alleged in the indictment will always be a top priority for this office.”
“Our elected officials swear an oath to carry out the duties of their office,” said FBI SAC Buie. “When they dishonor that oath, it erodes the trust we have in our officials to do the right thing for our communities, and the FBI and its partners stand ready to stamp out corruption at any level of government.”
“IRS Criminal Investigation provides financial investigative expertise in our work with our law enforcement partners,” said IRS-CI SAC Campbell. “Our hallmark expertise in following the money trail in this type of case shows our agency is committed to rooting out public corruption. Today’s indictment underscores our commitment to this work in a collaborative effort to promote honest and ethical government at all levels, and to prosecute those who allegedly violate the public’s trust.”
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the Court must impose reasonable sentences under federal sentencing statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 2:34 pm
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Wonder who talked.
Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:05 pm
does this mean republicans won’t be able to “run against” madigan anymore???
Comment by bored now Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:05 pm
At least he’ll know a lot of folks in prison if he’s convicted
Comment by Pingu Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:06 pm
Never thought I see the day.
I just actually swore outloud.
Comment by Nick Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:06 pm
== does this mean republicans won’t be able to “run against” madigan anymore???==
lol they’ll do it even more now.
Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:08 pm
It was absolutely the right thing for Democrats to force Madigan out. He like anyone else gets a day in court, but the calculus was spot-on.
Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:09 pm
==lol they’ll do it even more now.==
so will democrats.
this is the first time i can think of where the irs was part of a public announcement…
Comment by bored now Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:10 pm
=== does this mean republicans won’t be able to “run against” madigan anymore??? ===
Of course, they’ll use it. Unlike the GOP regarding it’s own corrupt elements, the Dems will note that it was their caucus who took action to end Madigan’s legislative career.
Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:10 pm
about time, hallelujah
won’t be the end of corruption in IL though
Comment by halving_fun Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:11 pm
Even Paulie went down…
… and Paulie hated phones too.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:11 pm
So much for the “Velvet Hammer” bit. Mike now see’s the hammer from a very different perspective.
Comment by Sayitaintso Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:11 pm
I’m waiting for Pritzker to make a statement.
Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:12 pm
It took real courage for Democrats to force Madigan out down 20 runs with two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:13 pm
Maybe he can bunk with Ed Burke?
Comment by Illinoised Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:14 pm
Chapa-LaVia doesn’t look so foolish tossing him under the bus today
Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:14 pm
A lot of commenters on this blog were swearing up and down that this day would never come. Well known ones, too.
Comment by de Gaulle Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:16 pm
I’ll take the under on the comment totals compared to the Blago indictment… but how long will this thread take to get to 100 comments? 30 minutes?
Comment by FormerILSIP Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:16 pm
===this is the first time i can think of where the irs was part===
It’s not common, but not rare.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:17 pm
I’m waiting for Tom DeVore to take credit for brings done this corruption in the State of Illinois.
Comment by Club J Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:18 pm
I hope Ken Griffin puts some cash money into the Illinois GOP to use this as an issue in Illinois House & Senate races in November.
Comment by Andersonville Right Winger Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:19 pm
“We took each other out”
- Rauner, in Florida, probably
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:19 pm
Speaker Madigan was a terrible elected official who used his power to torment people including many harmless government employees.
Comment by Former agency director Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:19 pm
== A lot of commenters on this blog were swearing up and down that this day would never come. Well known ones, too. ==
Yep, not the first thing I was wrong about, not gonna be the last.
Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:20 pm
===It took real courage for Democrats…===
Rauner took him down… or… whatever…
It’s gonna be a real mess, that’s for sure.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:21 pm
Never thought I’d see the day where Rod Blagojevich is a free man and Mike Madigan in under indictment.
Comment by SAP Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:22 pm
Is this the least surprising most surprising breaking news in Il politics since…. Rod? I’m trying to think of another example that seemed simultaneously predictable and obvious but was still a ‘holy cow’ moment.
Comment by SWSider Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:22 pm
For the last couple of years it’s been obvious, it was always a matter of when and not if.
Comment by Glengarry Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:24 pm
*OW makes Rauner non-sequiter, as he slowly shrinks and and transforms into a corn cob*
Comment by Revolver Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:24 pm
Guess Madigan might miss the Irish Lawyers’ luncheon in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.
Comment by Rudy’s teeth Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:24 pm
G is going to dominate the news cycle.
Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:25 pm
===Rauner non-sequite…===
It’s funny because it was the G, it was always gonna be the G, and folks still think it was the GOP.
As long as it’s sweet corn…
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:25 pm
“I hope Ken Griffin puts some cash money into the Illinois GOP to use this as an issue in Illinois House & Senate races in November.”
Not an issue anymore. House Democrats themselves took care of it by helping push him out a year ago.
Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:26 pm
it will be amazing to see all of these democrats get real brave and real ethical now that the madigan indictment is imminent. i hope republicans hammer the madigan dems with this in the coming election. conversely, i think those 19 who stepped out and prevented him from becoming speaker again should be lauded even more today. nobody is above the law.
Comment by adams Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:27 pm
Is it too late for AFSCME 31 to ask for their $767,800 check back?
Comment by City Zen Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:27 pm
I’m looking out for whether Doherty flipped. He was the weak link in the chain.
Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:28 pm
==Not an issue anymore. House Democrats themselves took care of it by helping push him out a year ago. ==
Wouldn’t go that far, but the fact that he’s a *Former* Speaker and that Dems can say they made that choice will certainly help.
==it will be amazing to see all of these democrats get real brave and real ethical now that the madigan indictment is imminent==
I mean, they kicked hm out a year ago.
Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:31 pm
=Not an issue anymore=
LOL, when the architect of the Dems 30-year march towards complete control of all levers of Illinois gov’t, gets publicly humiliated by the Feds it is a big deal. The Dems lip service of ” we forced him out” is such weak sauce. This will get top billing in GOP attack ads in the 2022 electiosn .
Comment by Donnie Elgin Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:31 pm
I look forward to Madigan’s interaction with the China town deal from the billionaire that didn’t speak English??
Comment by Steve Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:31 pm
== Not an issue anymore. House Democrats themselves took care of it by helping push him out a year ago. ==
Guess I missed that they pushed him out for breaking the law. If you really think a year of separation makes this no longer an issue for Democrats in general in Illinois I would say good luck with that. I would suggest if that is the response you have house candidates give, that is going to work great…
Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:32 pm
== Never thought I’d see the day where Rod Blagojevich is a free man and Mike Madigan in under indictment. ==
I feel pretty confident Biden won’t commute any sentences for Madigan.
Comment by Homebody Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:33 pm
Any Live TV Coverage details(for outside Chicago area) ??
Comment by Uncle Tanoos Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:34 pm
I’ll celebrate when he’s folding laundry in Oxford with Ed Burke. And yes the GOP will use it as a campaign issue in November. they should.
Comment by Pawar Lost Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:35 pm
===Not an issue anymore. House Democrats themselves took care of it by helping push him out a year ago.===
In other words: “We went along with it for 40 years, but since we pushed him out when the public pressure got too high, that should be good enough.”
Some House Dems deserve some credit, but this thing will be tied around every Illinois Democrat in the next election cycle and there isn’t a great answer to it for them.
Comment by AD Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:35 pm
I also love that Burke and Madigan have between them approximately 5000 years to learn how to use the government to grift, but still manage to (allegedly) get caught doing penny ante stuff at the age most men are playing with grandchildren.
Comment by SWSider Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:36 pm
Due in large part to ComEd…”Lights out: Mr. Madigan!”
Comment by Pizza Man Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:38 pm
Looking forward to the Governor getting asked about that.
Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:39 pm
Those are some *awkward* quotes for Pritzker
Comment by Nick Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:39 pm
The Seidel tweets… whew.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:40 pm
===Looking forward to the Governor getting asked about that===
Oh, I already have.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:40 pm
Also sounds like the 13th Ward and CFR will have something in common…
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:40 pm
The former Speaker was feared, not revered. The applause from Dem members, even those without the courage to vote him off of the island will be as robust as from the GOP.
His surrogate for most things in the House, Tim Mapes, was easily the most hated man in Springfield by all members regardless of party affiliation. A truly small, petty man entirely empowered by the former Speaker.
Most Dems will regret only that Mapes won’t be sharing the cell next to Madigan.
Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:41 pm
Literally gasped aloud when I got the news alert, never thought I’d actually see it happen.
Comment by Suburban Mom Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:42 pm
==If you really think a year of separation makes this no longer an issue for Democrats in general in Illinois I would say good luck with that.==
Again, I wouldn’t go so far as “not an issue”, but voters have shockingly short memories.
Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:43 pm
It could be much larger to a bigger story and wider net… than just focusing on what is “happening to MJM”
Watch what does happen… this time… the side stories alone from the Seidel tweets, as an example…
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:43 pm
Pritzker’s team’s reluctance to hire anyone Madigan recommended is also looking wise.
Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:44 pm
===but voters have shockingly short memories.===
Griffin’s $50 Million in ads on it will remind them.
Comment by AD Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:45 pm
“Guess I missed that they pushed him out for breaking the law.”
Madigan wasn’t indicted then, but they had some foresight and understood what a drag he is to the party.
“If you really think a year of separation makes this no longer an issue for Democrats in general in Illinois I would say good luck with that.”
Republicans scream about corruption nonstop anyway, and what has that got them but super-minority status? Plus, the ILGOP has a pretty big plank in its eye to be judging others, having strongly opposed the political conviction of an ex-president who fomented an attempt to violently overthrow America.
Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:45 pm
Every House target this year has taken hundreds of thousands - if not millions - of dollars Mike Madigan. JB Pritzker personally donated millions to Madigan’s operation. So yes, Madigan will definitely be used in 2022 lol.
Comment by Hahaha Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:45 pm
The first domino that fell that got this rolling was Margaret Laurino. Her unexpected resignation was a sign of things to come.
Comment by IKnewIt Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:46 pm
== Guess I missed that they pushed him out for breaking the law. =
Yeah, you must have been asleep. HDems began saying they would not vote for him for another term as Speaker when the ComEd defered prosecution agreement and $200MM fine came out. Although he hadnt been formally charged w a crime, HDems started publicly saying they were done w him. Guess you missed that.
Comment by low level Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:46 pm
==House Democrats themselves took care of it by helping push him out a year ago==
The political equivalent of “you moved the cemetery but you left the bodies.”
Comment by City Zen Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:46 pm
It may not generate much useful campaign airtime, but for all those who voted to keep him as speaker (minus those who refused to for him) should be asked why they still wanted him to be speaker.
Comment by Ste_with_a_v_en Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:47 pm
There’s a nice picture of FBI mole Danny Solis with JB Pritzker and Juan Ochoa from 2018.
tinyurl.com/2p8a88h4
Comment by Steve Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:47 pm
===Pritzker’s team’s reluctance to hire anyone Madigan recommended===
Um
https://www.wbez.org/stories/pritzker-madigan/809f86d3-4eff-413f-8c5c-cc3210a9ed9d
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:47 pm
== The former Speaker was feared, not revered. The applause from Dem members, even those without the courage to vote him off of the island will be as robust as from the GOP. ==
I seem to remember Rod commenting that when he was a state rep Democrats would talk a big game while drinking at bars about standing up to Madigan. Yet they accepted his help, his money, the whole 9 yards. They if anything will look worse if the answer is
“Well yeah I supported him and did what he told me to do because that is what I had to do to get elected. I never said a word publicly while his bullies did their thing as well. But I disliked the man, even though I supported him and likely wouldn’t have been able to stay in the legislature without his support”
Yeah, go with that Profile in Courage answer.
Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:47 pm
==Griffin’s $50 Million in ads ==
Will be called or raised by the other side.
Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:49 pm
==Um==
35 is a small fraction of the number of people that thought MJM was gonna get them a shiny new state job. Just ask around at an event at Boone’s, lol.
Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:52 pm
Pritzker and Sandoval…. https://www.senatormartinsandoval.com/images/Sandoval_and_Pritzker.jpg
Comment by Former Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:52 pm
== Yeah, you must have been asleep. HDems began saying they would not vote for him for another term as Speaker when the ComEd defered prosecution agreement and $200MM fine came out. Although he hadnt been formally charged w a crime, HDems started publicly saying they were done w him. Guess you missed that. ==
Would have been a bit more impressed if they did that when it happened and not several months later, after the election (where he could still help them). A few were brave enough before the election, but they got virtually no support.
But yeah, go with ‘illegal activity not outlived his usefulness.
Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:52 pm
===Will be called or raised by the other side.===
Griffin’s Net Worth is 8x Pritzker’s. You’re not going to out raise him.
Comment by AD Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:53 pm
===35 is a small fraction===
Fractions are not numbers.
If you are trying to “rationalize” you’re doing it wrong.
With respect, bud
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:53 pm
So we are labeling a political organization an enterprise now? Geez.
Comment by ;) Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:53 pm
==Griffin’s Net Worth is==
…not Richard Irvin’s operating budget.
Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:54 pm
===So we are labeling a political organization an enterprise now?===
Were you around during the CFR and Fawell trial?
This isn’t a “new” thing to see around the game.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:54 pm
I wish pat botterman were here for this
Comment by Former director Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:55 pm
== Would have been a bit more impressed if they did that when it happened==
You really were asleep. They started coming out saying they would not vote for him when the announcement of the DPA was made. Rich covered it extensively. By the end of summer 2020, enough HDems had publicly said they would not vote to re elect in sufficient numbers to deny him another term as Speaker.
By the time Jan 2021 came along, there was no going back.
Comment by low level Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:58 pm
Unfortunately for the citizens of Illinois this was over 39 years to late and only scratches the surface of the crime machine he created.
Comment by Mike Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 3:58 pm
“Yeah, go with that Profile in Courage answer.“
They are, and always have been cowards. They knowingly allowed it by continuing to cower to and empower him. They will still be dancing in the streets. Watch closely.
Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 4:00 pm
Normally the Feds work up the food chain to get the Big Fish. Madigan might try to save himself by giving up schools of smaller fish. It would be like electroshocking a pond.
Comment by Last Bull Moose Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 4:01 pm
=He like anyone else gets a day in court, but the calculus was spot-on.=
Maybe he can hire Irvin, because he is dedicated to giving everyone their day in court.
MJM being indicted is surprising only in the fact that he was able to avoid it for so long it seemed like it might never happen.
If he did the deed he should pay the price.
=It took real courage for Democrats to force Madigan out down 20 runs with two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning=
LOL. Says the guy who goes quiet on right wing corruption and misdeeds.
Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 4:02 pm
==If you are trying to “rationalize”==
I’m not. Just saying it’s been something bothering well-connected Dems for 3 years now, that only 35 of the many, many applicants got jobs.
Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 4:05 pm
==Would have been a bit more impressed if they did that when it happened and not several months later, after the election (where he could still help them). A few were brave enough before the election, but they got virtually no support.
But yeah, go with ‘illegal activity not outlived his usefulness. ==
This is a good explanation, but in the context of assessing Dems’ ability to use their ouster of Madigan to mitigate the political damage, we return to the old adage of “when you’re explaining, you’re losing.”
Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 4:10 pm
The number of times quotation marks appear around things that were supposedly said over the phone between McClain and Madigan makes me think there was a wiretap at some point. I’m not used to reading federal indictments though.
Comment by Homebody Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 4:10 pm
So proud of the Lady Marine who stood tall and put her name in for Speaker of the House.
After she stepped up, it was just one long downhill trip for Madigan.
At the time Pritzker and almost all the House Democrats were clearly behind the Speaker.
We need more Democrats like her.
Comment by Back to the Future Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 4:16 pm
I’m one of the people who didn’t think this would happen, btw. Between McClain and Mapes going to the wall, I just never thought the Feds would get someone to flip.
But here comes Danny Solis from the top rope.
Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 4:16 pm
===I feel pretty confident Biden won’t commute any sentences for Madigan.===
But what about Trump 2.0?
Comment by thechampaignlife Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 4:19 pm
Who is lobbyist A
Comment by Farm team Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 4:22 pm
SJ-R strikes again. On their website headlining the Madigan indictment, they misspelled his name as “Madagin.” But the correct spelling is in the story itself.
Comment by NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 4:24 pm
Republicans who want to make hay may need to be reminded that it was a Democratic Justice Department that brought this indictment. Unlike the last administration, everything is no longer partisan now.
Comment by Big Dipper Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 4:25 pm
Keeping Lausch as the USA looks like the best move to getting to this indictment …
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 4:27 pm
“when you’re explaining, you’re losing”
Imagine how it would be if Democrats re-elected Madigan as Speaker, and didn’t vote him out and help push him out of politics. It was the right thing to do. As far as current fall-out, obviously it would be much worse if Madigan was still Speaker. But, all that ended a year ago.
Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 4:29 pm
==Unlike the last administration, everything is no longer partisan now.==
You owe me a new monitor.
Comment by City Zen Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 4:45 pm
Madigan, as a young committeeman, tried to have my Grandfather, a patronage worker, fired for not upping his donation to the Ward so he could afford my dad’s tuition. My Grandpa wasn’t ultimately fired but he was stuck in place. I’m sure he’s smiling from above over this.
Comment by Happy Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 5:03 pm
Mike McClain is going to jail. Watch my teeny tiny tears. Don’t know if they can make this stick to Madigan but I’m will to put money on Madigan never serving a day in jail.
Comment by New Day Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 5:13 pm
Marty, Silvana, Angie, Susan investigation is not over…
Comment by BlackRunningBoards Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 5:29 pm
No big deal, he has plenty of $ to defend . But we know the party that will stay in power so who cares
Comment by Tom Clancy Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 5:33 pm
Looks like Marty Quinn & Cuellar are going to need to find more precinct captains.
Comment by goodluckMQ Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 5:35 pm
Are there any videos of JB dancing with Mike on stage so I can see that the next 8 months during commercial breaks?
Comment by Jose Abreu's Next Homer Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 5:44 pm
===Mike McClain is going to jail.===
Don’t hold your breath.
Comment by Anyone Remember Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 6:16 pm
Well done by the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Northern District. They worked hard and tirelessly to make this happen.
Comment by B Team Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 6:39 pm
I really wish the doppelganger at 3:41 and 4:00 would find a new handle.
Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 6:50 pm
Just like how Capone did a million bad things but they got him on tax evasion, I suspect this indictment is for some of the less series things Madigan has actually done.
Comment by The worst thing Wednesday, Mar 2, 22 @ 7:20 pm
Bout time. One down. Hundreds more to go.
Comment by Out of Illinois Thursday, Mar 3, 22 @ 7:21 am
“The first domino that fell that got this rolling was Margaret Laurino. Her unexpected resignation was a sign of things to come.” Who sez Marge’s resignation was “unexpected?” Her father Tony Laurino was under federal indictment when he died. Her brother Bill Laurino as state Rep. had like the worst attendance record in Illinois legislative history. Their time was over long ago.
Comment by Payback Thursday, Mar 3, 22 @ 8:55 am