Insider Spills Beans on Madigan’s Power

Will Cousineau, a big-name lobbyist who once worked for Michael Madigan, will be back on the stand this Wednesday. He’s giving a sneak peek into how Madigan ran things in Springfield and the Democratic Party. Cousineau has already been a part of other cases, including one against ComEd and another against Tim Mapes, Madigan’s long-time chief of staff. He testified that Madigan was the final say on where campaign money went and who got top jobs. Interestingly, Madigan didn’t use a cellphone or email, instead relying on calls to his office or ward headquarters. The trial, now in its second week, has Madigan facing racketeering charges. He and co-defendant Michael McClain deny any wrongdoing. Cousineau’s testimony last year showed how Madigan’s last-minute efforts got a crucial energy bill passed. Before, he had warned Madigan and McClain that the bill might not pass without extra effort. On Wednesday, Cousineau might shed light on a wiretapped conversation from one of Madigan's meetings. This meeting, recorded after the 2018 election, shows Madigan discussing demands from House caucuses. Madigan insisted that he alone decides on the majority leader. Cousineau is the eighth witness in this trial that started on October 8.