The Fall of a Political Giant: Madigan's Conviction and its Impact

Michael Madigan, once the most powerful politician in Illinois, has been convicted on bribery and conspiracy charges. This wasn't a complete victory for the prosecution, as the jury couldn't agree on some counts and found him not guilty on others. However, the key takeaway is that Madigan's alliance with Commonwealth Edison from 2011 to 2019 was found to be corrupt. Madigan's conviction marks a significant shift in Illinois politics. For decades, Madigan ruled with an iron fist, using his influence to control both Springfield and Chicago. His downfall began when a jury of ordinary Cook County residents saw through his manipulations and found him guilty. This was not the first time a jury had convicted someone in Madigan's circle. Earlier in 2023, the "ComEd Four" were also found guilty of their roles in the conspiracy. Madigan's conviction is a big deal. It shows that even the most powerful politicians can be held accountable for their actions. The trial revealed how Madigan used his influence to benefit his law firm and his political allies. He was known as the "velvet hammer, " a nickname that reflected his ability to boss people around. But his powers of persuasion weren't enough to convince the jury of his innocence. The trial also shed light on Madigan's relationship with Michael McClain, his former close friend and right-hand man. McClain was also on trial, but the jury couldn't reach a verdict on the charges against him. This is despite the fact that McClain was one of the ComEd Four, all of whom were convicted on all counts tied to their part of the conspiracy. Despite the convictions, it's uncertain whether Madigan or McClain will spend any time in federal prison. Madigan's lawyers are likely to appeal the verdicts, and it's possible that one or both of the cases could end up before the U. S. Supreme Court. The evidence presented in the trial showed how Madigan used his political power to benefit his law firm. He saw commercial property owners needing Chicago government approvals as a ripe source of business. This is similar to the tactics used by former Ald. Edward Burke, who is now in prison for running essentially the same playbook. The trial also revealed how Madigan used ComEd as a source of funneling cash to his political lieutenants. This was a key part of the feds' case against McClain, former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore, and others. The jury clearly reached the same conclusion as their counterparts in the earlier proceeding that Madigan's relationship with ComEd was corrupt to the point of violating the law. Madigan's conviction is a turning point in Illinois politics. It shows that even the most powerful politicians can be held accountable for their actions. However, it's important to remember that corruption and bribery won't suddenly disappear from the political scene in Chicago and Illinois. Not as long as greed exists as part of the human condition.