Michael Madigan, once the most powerful politician in Illinois and the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history, has received a stunning downfall with his sentencing to prison. The 83-year-old former Illinois House speaker now faces 7 1/2 years behind bars and a $2.5 million fine for corruption.
According to the New York Post, Madigan was convicted in February on 10 of 23 counts after a remarkable four-month trial that featured 60 witnesses and mountains of evidence, including documents, photographs, and taped conversations.
U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey delivered the sentence Friday in Chicago federal court, rejecting both the prosecution's request for 12 1/2 years and the defense's plea for probation. The judge appeared particularly troubled by what he described as Madigan's "nauseating display of perjury and evasion" when testifying in his own defense.
Nicknamed the "Velvet Hammer" for his quiet but effective political style, Madigan dominated Illinois politics for nearly half a century. During his legislative career, he served as House speaker for almost four decades – a national record for legislative leadership.
As chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party for over 20 years, Madigan controlled much of the state's political agenda and handpicked candidates for office. He also frequently controlled political redistricting, drawing boundaries that favored Democrats.
Meanwhile, prosecutors revealed that the Chicago Democrat built a private legal career that allowed him to accumulate a net worth of approximately $40 million. His dual roles as political leader and private attorney became central to the corruption case against him.
The jury found Madigan guilty of ensuring approval of legislation favorable to utility giant ComEd in exchange for kickbacks. The scheme included arranging jobs and contracts for political loyalists, including a Chicago alderman seeking paid employment on a state board after retiring.
Federal prosecutors documented how Madigan traded his immense legislative influence for the enrichment of friends and allies. The case included evidence of bribery, conspiracy, wire fraud and other charges related to these corrupt arrangements.
Though the jury deadlocked on six counts, including an overarching racketeering conspiracy charge, and acquitted him on seven others, the convictions were sufficient to end Madigan's political career and send him to prison in his twilight years.
Before sentencing, Madigan made a brief statement asking to avoid prison so he could care for his ailing wife, Shirley. "I'm truly sorry for putting the people of the state of Illinois through this," Madigan told the court. "I tried to do my best to serve the people of the state of Illinois. I am not perfect."
Madigan's attorneys had called the government's recommended sentence "draconian" and effectively a life sentence given his advanced age. They requested five years' probation with one year of home confinement, community service, and a "reasonable fine."
In a video submitted to the court, Shirley Madigan pleaded for her husband's return home. "I really don't exist without him," she said. "I wish I could say that I do, but I don't know what I would do without Michael. I would probably have to find someplace to live and I'd probably have to find care."
Judge Blakey acknowledged numerous letters supporting Madigan, noting that the former speaker was a good family man who had helped neighbors without hesitation. However, the judge made a clear distinction between personal kindness and public corruption.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Streicker emphasized Madigan's lack of remorse and failure to take responsibility for his crimes. She pointed out that having served as speaker through seven governors, "he had every opportunity to set the standard for honest government." Instead, Streicker said, "he fit right into the mold of yet another corrupt leader in Illinois."
Tried alongside Madigan was his longtime confidant, Michael McClain, on whom the jury couldn't reach a decision. McClain was, however, convicted in a separate trial over the ComEd conspiracy last year.
