GOP activist James Jones is giddy that former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was indicted earlier this year.
"Madigan getting indicted is pure joy," Jones told South Central Reporter. "But I fear that that is as far as it will ever get. I’m pretty sure that Madigan prepared for this event a long time ago. I’ll be shocked if anything comes of it."
Despite being under indictment, Madigan has continued political activities. A recent NBC Chicago report noted Madigan was at his longtime campaign office on Chicago’s southwest side. Madigan was the longest-serving House Speaker in the country’s history w8th 32 years combined in the position.
"The indictment alleges a long-term, multifaceted scheme to use public positions for unlawful gain, including no-show or low-show jobs for Madigan's political workers and private gain for Madigan himself," U.S. Attorney John Lausch said at a news conference in the wake of the indictment. "The schemes describe involvement of a leader of state government, one of his close confidantes, top management of a large public utility, consultants and others."
Madigan is using over $10 million in campaign cash for his criminal defense. He is facing 22 charges of public corruption. The most he can face in jail is 20 years.
His war chest has been a big beneficiary of Gov. J.B. Pritzker. The billionaire Pritzker donated $10.17 million in 2018, according to Patch, which is just about the amount hits camping coffers hold now.
Madigan pled not guilty after being indicted for running a racketeering ring involved in a $150 million bribery scandal. Part of his strategy to allegedly gain power was to provide jobs for the politically connected. The Madigan enterprise is accused to have used Mike McClain as a key figure in this scheme, Illinois Policy reported. Madigan and McClain are alleged to have run a multi-million dollar bribery ring.
"I was never involved in any criminal activity," Madigan denied the charges. "The government is attempting to criminalize a routine constituent service: job recommendations. That is not illegal."
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