CHICAGO – On Friday, the political powerbroker who as soon as decided the careers of numerous Illinois lawmakers will quickly be taught his destiny from a federal choose.
Former Illinois Home Speaker Michael Madigan was convicted in February on almost a dozen counts of bribery and corruption.
Now, the query is what sort of sentence the 83-year-old will obtain.
What we all know:
Madigan, one of the highly effective figures in Illinois political historical past, faces as much as 12.5 years in jail and a $1.5 million high-quality, in keeping with prosecutors.
“So I do not suppose the choose will give the total quantity that the prosecution has requested for. For those who take a look at, as an example, the Alderman Burke trial, he was given two years due to his age and all the letters in help of his good deeds through the years,” mentioned retired UIC political science professor and skilled witness Dick Simpson.
Nonetheless, Simpson mentioned Madigan probably gained’t obtain the 14-year sentence handed to former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Whereas Madigan is comparable in age to the lately convicted Ald. Ed Burke, Simpson believes Decide John Blakey will impose a more durable sentence.
“The rationale he will not get the 2 years that Burke acquired is he is by no means proven regret, by no means proven any willingness to confess to any wrongdoing,” Simpson mentioned.
Prosecutors allege Madigan dedicated perjury through the trial, providing statements beneath oath that straight contradicted testimony from different witnesses.
“He usually portrayed that he wasn’t actually making an attempt to affect Commonwealth Edison or the opposite firms aside from to get individuals who wanted jobs, jobs, which is a part of the function of a political determine,” mentioned Simpson.
“I can let you know from my prior expertise with different circumstances, whereas it is the precise of each defendant in a felony case to testify of their behalf, judges do not take very kindly to these defendants that testify falsely,” mentioned former FBI agent Ross Rice.
Assist Letters :
Roughly 200 letters of help had been submitted to the court docket forward of sentencing, together with one from his daughter, former Illinois Lawyer Normal Lisa Madigan.
She wrote, “Mike is meticulously moral and trustworthy and shunned most of the perks of elected workplace.”
“I am certain it is tough for Lisa to determine precisely the best way to each help her father and help the rule of legislation,” Simpson mentioned.
“It does communicate to the truth that Madigan simply wasn’t getting mates’ jobs and getting payoffs for varied political operatives and getting, most significantly, cash for himself by his legislation agency…,” Simpson mentioned.
Former Gov. Jim Edgar additionally wrote a letter, together with White Sox proprietor Jerry Reinsdorf, former Orland Park Police Chief Tim McCarthy and former U.S. Rep. Invoice Lipinski, who known as Madigan “Mr. Integrity.”
Madigan’s spouse of fifty years submitted a video message as a substitute of a letter, with permission granted because of her well being.
Simpson believes the video might have emotional weight, however gained’t in the end have an effect on the choose’s determination.
“It’s a must to keep in mind that this choose may be very cautious. He has a whole lot of expertise. He was once a U.S. lawyer assistant, an assistant U.S. Lawyer himself and he is prosecuted circumstances like this. He’ll be very conscious looking for a good sentence,” Simpson mentioned.
What’s subsequent:
In the long run, the sentence will carry a broader message.
“What message does this sentence ship to different public officers in Illinois? You’ll suppose after the conviction of Rod Blagojevich, you’ll suppose after the conviction of Ed Burke, that politicians would understand, they’re finally going to get caught,” Ross mentioned.
Since 1976, greater than 2,200 public officers in Illinois have been despatched to federal jail for corruption.
