Some former constituents had mixed feelings after a federal jury returned a split verdict last week in the trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, who was found guilty of 10 corruption charges after a four-month trial and 65 hours of deliberation.
Madigan, who testified in his own defense, faced 23 charges, including six as a co-defendant with longtime ally and political adviser Michael McClain. Prosecutors focused on Madigan’s alleged efforts to secure a state board position for former Chicago Alderman Danny Solis, who recorded conversations with him as a government informant. Other charges involved an alleged bribery scheme with Commonwealth Edison. The former 13th Ward Democratic committeeman was acquitted of seven counts, and the jury deadlocked on the six he faced with McClain, who was not convicted.
Madigan’s convictions included three wire fraud and bribery charges. The jury found he conspired to have Commonwealth Edison pay $1.3 million to his allies over eight years in exchange for favorable treatment on legislation in Springfield. Among those who benefited were former Southwest Side Alderman Michael R. Zalewski (23rd), former Alderman Frank Olivo (13th), former Cook County Recorder of Deeds Edward Moody, former state Rep. Edward “Eddie” Acevedo, and Madigan campaign worker Raymond Nice. Olivo, Zalewski and Moody were not accused of wrongdoing, while Acevedo faced tax-related charges.
Some local residents expressed mixed feelings for Madigan after the verdict.
“On the one hand, I’m sorry his family must go through this ordeal,” said longtime Clearing resident Luanne Baldwin. “All his years of service and any good acts that occurred through his past efforts will be eclipsed by this egregious lapse in judgment.
“On the other hand, Illinois ultimately benefits by having someone who wielded so much power unwisely removed from the seat,” she added.
Mary Shilney, a Clearing resident, remained supportive of Madigan. “I would still vote for him for anything. He did a lot of good for the people around here,” she said after hearing the verdict at a United Business Association of Midway meeting.
Marie Zilka, who has been active in the Clearing Civic League and other community organizations, said, “Since I live in his ward, all I can do now is wish him good luck.”
Joann Williams, president of the Hearst Community Organization, said she expected a conviction. “The way the trial went, I did expect that he would be convicted of something after all that,” she said. “I guess I would be disappointed if he wasn’t. If they have your voice on a recording, you sort of self-convict.”
She added, “I think many politicians hang around the office too long. I am not surprised, but I think he will appeal and he might get off.”
Some residents drew comparisons to past high-profile political cases.
“Everyone seems to get away with everything now,” Williams said, referencing former President Donald Trump’s 2020 commutation of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s 15-year prison sentence after he served eight years. She also noted Trump’s pardons for individuals convicted in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
“I wonder who is going to pardon him?” said United Business Association of Midway member John Marusarz with a wry smile.
Others remained skeptical about the case.
“I didn’t want him to get convicted. I don’t think he is a bad guy,” said Jeff Radley, a 65-year-old West Lawn resident watching the news at Lawn Lanes Bowling Alley. “I never met him. But I feel like I know him from living here all my life.”
Although Madigan’s 50-year political career ended in 2021 when he resigned from the state Legislature, many local business owners and residents declined to comment on the verdict.
There was no activity at Madigan’s house at 6400 S. Keeler Ave. on the afternoon of the verdict on Feb. 12, and neighbors out shoveling snow were reluctant to discuss the case.
“I know he is my neighbor, but I don’t follow politics,” said a man shoveling his sidewalk on Kedvale Avenue.
“I haven’t really been following the trial, but it is all over TV now,” said a woman across the street. “I wasn’t sure of the charges and don’t have an opinion either way. But it is not good for him at his age.”
At Tony’s Kitchen in Clearing, a man eating lunch wondered about the timing.
“Why did they wait until he was 82 to go after him?” he asked. “This stuff was going on a long time. All the politicians probably do it. But why didn’t they go after him in his 50s? It is almost too late now.”
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