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Chicago Sun-Times: Madigan quipped that his associates ‘have made out like bandits’ from ComEd deals, feds say
In summer 2018, months before it became apparent they were the targets of a federal investigation, then-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was reminded by a longtime confidant about a contract they’d help someone land that tied the person to ComEd.
Madigan then interrupted his confidant, Michael McClain. The men allegedly were near the end of an almost decadelong scheme, in which they persuaded ComEd to give Madigan’s associates jobs, contracts and money in order to curry favor with the speaker.
The Center Square: Prosecutors: Madigan told McClain that benefactors of alleged scheme 'made out like bandits'
Prosecutors in a case involving Michael Madigan say they have wires of the former Illinois House speaker acknowledging operatives “made out like bandits” in a scheme involving utility ComEd.
In 2020, federal prosecutors and Exelon subsidiary ComEd reached a deferred prosecution agreement. As part of the agreement, the utility admitted it paid $1.3 million in jobs and contracts to associates of Madigan over nearly a decade to influence the former House speaker. ComEd agreed to pay a $200 million fine.
Capitol News Illinois: After frenzied ‘lame duck’ session, 103rd General Assembly is sworn in
A mix of incumbents and newly minted lawmakers were sworn into their terms in the 103rd General Assembly Wednesday following a hectic week of “lame duck” action in the House and Senate.
The crowning achievement from Democrats who wield total control of state government was a ban on the sale and manufacture of assault weapons in Illinois. Sixteen hours after Gov. JB Pritzker signed the measure into law, the Rev. Jerry Doss of Springfield’s Abundant Faith Christian Center recognized it before his invocation over the House swearing-in ceremony.
Chicago Tribune: Ex-US Rep. Luis Gutierrez allegedly lobbied Speaker Michael Madigan for ComEd board appointment for Juan Ochoa, according to new filing
Two months ahead of trial, federal prosecutors late Tuesday revealed new details and evidence they intend to use against four people accused in an alleged bribery scheme between Commonwealth Edison and then-House Speaker Michael Madigan.
Among the new revelations: Former McPier boss Juan Ochoa is expected to testify how he enlisted the help of a member of Congress in 2017 to help repair his tattered political relationship with Madigan and ultimately secure a lucrative position on ComEd’s board of directors.
Chicago Sun-Times: Welcome warning? Illinois Senate president’s message to newly sworn senators: Fly right or get lost
With one state senator under federal investigation — and five others swept up in federal probes over the last three years — Illinois Senate President Don Harmon had a message Wednesday for the newly sworn members of his chamber:
Do what’s right or get out.