(The Center Square) – Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has returned to the witness stand as he faces federal corruption charges in Chicago.
Madigan began direct testimony Tuesday afternoon at the Everett McKinley Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago. The former speaker and codefendant Michael McClain are charged with 23 counts of bribery, racketeering and official misconduct.
Madigan attorney Dan Collins introduced an email from McClain to then-ComEd executive Fidel Marquez. Madigan said McClain did not accurately reflect Madigan’s mindset when McClain told Marquez that Madigan (“a friend of ours”) expected a quick and favorable response.
Madigan testified that he did not participate in negotiations between ComEd and Victor Reyes’ law firm, Reyes Kurson in 2011 or in 2016. He answered, “I do not recall” and “I have no direct knowledge” in response to two of Collins’ questions about his dealings with Reyes’ firm.
Victor Reyes was a longtime Madigan acquaintance.
Madigan said he did not know that McClain was urging ComEd to renew the Reyes Kurson contract to avoid provoking “a reaction from our friend” – a veiled reference to Madigan.
Madigan discussed efforts to help his former aide, Kevin Quinn, find work after Quinn was fired due to a sexual harassment allegation. The jury doesn’t know why Quinn was fired, just that he was fired for “misconduct.” Madigan said he did not join McClain and others in providing monthly payments to Quinn, but he did not stop others from helping Quinn.
Madigan mentioned the strong support he received from union leaders in his political fight with then-Gov. Bruce Rauner and welcomed the opportunity to give good news to union leaders.
Madigan said he entered private law practice in 1971 or 1972 and began working with Vincent “Bud” Getzendanner soon after. He said his partnership with Getzendanner was based on a handshake and they never had a contract. Madigan said the Madigan & Getzendanner firm no longer exists and that he voluntarily gave up his law license now that he is retired.
Collins said he expected to finish cross examination sometime Wednesday. McClain’s defense team would follow with cross-examination.
