CHICAGO (AP) — Jury selection began Wednesday in the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, once the longest-serving lawmaker in American history.
The case against Madigan, who resigned in 2021, is one of the largest corruption trials in Illinois in years. The 82-year-old is charged with a multi-million dollar extortion and bribery scheme that also involved the state’s largest utility, ComEd.
Federal prosecutors accuse the Chicago Democrat of using his power not only as speaker but in other roles, including as chairman of the state Democratic Party, to run a “criminal enterprise” to amass even more wealth and power . The indictment against him includes 23 counts, including conspiracy, wire fraud and attempted extortion.
Political experts say seating a jury could be hard because of Madigan’s high profile. More than 1,000 people received jury summonses in the mail. That number was narrowed down to about 180 people who reported to the federal courthouse in Chicago on Wednesday.
Wednesday’s proceedings were ponderous, with lawyers averaging more than 30 minutes per person in the first half of the day. The pool included educators, warehouse workers and an insured person. Attorneys asked potential jurors — identified only by numbers — questions about their knowledge of lobbyists, their views on Chicago politicians and their familiarity with Madigan, once considered the most powerful leader in Illinois politics.
“I heard the name,” said a man identified as No. 1. “That’s all I really know about it.”
Another, identified as No. 3, said he was familiar with Madigan’s time as speaker.
“He always had a reputation for doing things his way, which could be good or bad,” he said.
Both potential candidates were later excluded because only three jurors were seated Wednesday.
Jury selection should continue throughout the week. Twelve jurors and six alternates will be selected ahead of opening statements expected early next week. Testimony is expected to last approximately three months.
Madigan, who pleaded not guilty, questioned potential jurors as they entered the courtroom. He appeared to listen intently and take notes during the proceedings. His co-defendant, a longtime lobbyist and Madigan confidant, Michael McClain, sat at a table nearby.
Prosecutors accuse Madigan of using his influence to pass laws that favor the electric utility ComEd. In return, ComEd offered bribes, jobs and contracts to Madigan loyalists.
Madigan and McClain have both denied wrongdoing.
“I have never been involved in any criminal activity,” Madigan said when the charges were announced in 2022.
Much of the evidence expected in the trial, including wiretapped conversations, has already been presented in open court.
A sweeping federal investigation into public corruption in Illinois has led to the convictions of state lawmakers and Madigan’s former chief of staff. McClain and three other ComEd officers were convicted in a separate but related case. They have yet to be sentenced.
Madigan was first elected to the Legislature in 1970 and served as speaker from 1983 to 2021, except for two years when Republicans were in control. He set much of Illinois’ political agenda and decided which laws would be voted on. He controlled several campaign funds and oversaw political mapping.
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The story has been updated to correct Madigan’s age from 83 to 82.
