SPRINGFIELD, IL (KMOX) - A longtime power broker in Illinois politics has been snared in a federal bribery investigation. After years of accusations, former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was indicted by a federal grand jury Wednesday on charges of bribery, racketeering, wire fraud and extortion.
US Attorney John Lausch says Madigan's law firm partner, and former State Representative, Mike McClain is also a defendant, "Madigan and McClain unlawfully requested that various companies with interest in state legislation, including utility company Commonwealth Edison, pay Madigan's associates as a reward for their loyalty to Madigan, at times for performing little to no legitimate work for those business."
The indictment unsealed Wednesday accuses the 79 year old Chicago Democrat of leading a criminal enterprise whose purpose was to enhance the political power and financial well-being of Madigan and his allies. Madigan becomes the most prominent politician swept up in a series of federal raids and indictments targeting Illinois Democrats. Until earlier this year, Madigan was the longest-serving state House speaker in modern American history. He was nicknamed the "Velvet Hammer" for his insistence on strict party discipline.
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