Powerful Democrat Sentenced To Prison In Corruption Case

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan received a substantial federal prison sentence on Friday after being found guilty in a wide-ranging corruption case.

Madigan, aged 83, was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison and required to pay a fine of $2.5 million following his conviction for trading legislation to benefit his friends and political associates. U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey imposed the sentence on the veteran Illinois political figure, who is recognized as the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history, during proceedings at the U.S. District Court in Chicago.

Known as the “Velvet Hammer” for his typically understated yet ruthlessly effective approach, Madigan was convicted in February on 10 out of 23 charges in a corruption trial that lasted four months. The trial featured testimony from 60 witnesses, along with a multitude of documents, photographs, and recorded conversations.

Madigan’s legislative journey commenced in 1971 when he was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives. He subsequently served nearly four decades as House speaker, marking the longest tenure recorded for a U.S. legislator.

Additionally, he held the position of chairman of the Illinois Democratic Party from 1998 to 2021, during which he significantly influenced the state’s political agenda and selected candidates for key positions. Madigan is also recognized for his substantial involvement in the state’s political mapmaking, which he frequently leveraged to advantage the Democratic Party.

During his tenure, Madigan leveraged his authority to establish a private legal practice that ultimately earned him a fortune exceeding $40 million. The Chicago Democrat was found guilty on 10 counts, including bribery, conspiracy, wire fraud, and other offenses, for facilitating the passage of legislation beneficial to the utility giant ComEd in return for kickbacks, as well as jobs and contracts for significant allies, such as a Chicago alderman who was pursuing a paid position on a state board following his retirement from public service, as reported by a trial analysis from the New York Post.

Prosecutors had requested a prison sentence of 12 and a half years. Madigan’s attorneys argued for five years of probation, portraying him as a dedicated public servant who should be at home to care for his ill wife, Shirley.

Judge Blakely remarked that federal sentencing guidelines permitted a maximum sentence of 105 years based on evidence findings, notably including the fact that Madigan committed perjury during the trial.

“You lied. You did not have to. You had the right to remain silent,” Blakey stated. “However, you chose to testify and took the law into your own hands.”