CHICAGO — The trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, a significant figure in state politics, is set to begin with jury selection on Wednesday. Madigan, who is implicated in a major corruption case involving the state’s largest utility, ComEd, faces charges in a multimillion-dollar racketeering and bribery scheme.
Madigan, 83, who holds the record as the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history, resigned in 2021 amidst growing legal pressures. Federal prosecutors have charged him with a series of crimes including racketeering conspiracy, wire fraud, and attempted extortion. They claim that he leveraged his considerable power to enrich himself and consolidate more control.
The scope of the jury selection is extensive, with more than 1,000 individuals initially summoned. That number was reduced to around 180 potential jurors who appeared in a Chicago federal court to complete preliminary questionnaires on Tuesday. The questioning phase by federal prosecutors and defense attorneys is crucial as they aim to establish an impartial jury.
U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey, overseeing the case, noted the strong turnout of potential jurors, with few absences or dismissals. The final jury will consist of twelve jurors and six alternates, set in anticipation of opening statements expected early next week. The trial is projected to last around three months, involving detailed testimonies and substantial evidence.
Prosecutors allege that Madigan manipulated his official capacities to enact laws beneficial to ComEd, in exchange for which the company secretly funneled kickbacks, jobs, and contracts to his allies.
Both Madigan and his co-defendant, longtime associate Michael McClain, have denied all charges. Madigan maintained his innocence, stating last year that he has never engaged in any criminal activities.
The evidence likely to be presented at the trial includes intercepted phone conversations previously discussed in open court settings. This trial follows a broader federal investigation into public corruption in Illinois, which has already resulted in convictions of several state legislators and Madigan’s former chief of staff.
Defense teams are bracing for potential challenges in selecting jurors due to Madigan’s high profile. His career, spanning decades in Illinois politics, began with his election to the Legislature in 1970. Madigan served as House Speaker from 1983 until his resignation in 2021, briefly stepping down only when Republicans controlled the house. His dominant influence over Illinois politics involved oversight over legislative agendas, control over substantial campaign funds, and involvement in political redistricting.
As this trial unfolds, it will arguably be one of the most closely watched legal battles in Illinois, given Madigan’s longstanding influence and the serious nature of the accusations leveled against him. The outcomes may well have lasting implications on how political operations are conducted and scrutinized in the state.