Michael Madigan testifies in corruption trial, stunning observers – NBC Chicago

In a stunning move, former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan began testifying Tuesday in his ongoing trial on corruption and bribery charges.

Madigan, once one of the longest-serving legislative leaders in U.S. history, faces 23 counts of bribery, wire fraud and conspiracy.

Reporters expected Madigan associate Vincent “Bud” Getzendanner to testify. Instead, Madigan took the stand Tuesday afternoon after a months-long recess in the trial. In doing so, he opened himself up to questions from prosecutors while allowing himself to appeal directly to jurors.

The ruling shocked the courtroom and set off a series of legal arguments over how that testimony could be used.

Madigan, who is known for rarely speaking to the media or sharing much information about himself, gave previously unseen details about his early years. But first, Madigan’s attorney, Dan Collins, began with a series of questions that form the basis of the lawsuit.

“Throughout your career, would people ask you for help? » asked Collins.

“Yes, all types of people,” Madigan said.

“Have people asked for help finding a job? »

“Yes,” Madigan replied. “When people asked me for help, if possible, I tried to help them.”

Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan testified Tuesday at his federal corruption trial. Charlie Wojciechowski of NBC Chicago reports.

Then Collins asked, “Have you ever traded your public office for private gain?” Have you ever demanded anything of value in exchange for an official act, or accepted anything of value in exchange for an official act?

Madigan replied, “No.”

For Madigan, who became the highest-ranking official to testify at his own trial since former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, the strategy could be highly rewarding and carry high risks. Former Illinois Governor George Ryan and former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke did not testify at their trials.

“It’s a huge risk-reward to testify on your own behalf. On one level, a public servant – a politician who has made a living in front of people – has a hard time remaining silent, and the jury says “Why didn’t he tell us what the real story is, if he’s not going to testify?” said former federal prosecutor Ron Safer, who is not involved in Madigan’s case.

During his testimony, Madigan looked directly at the jury, appearing at ease. Not all the jurors looked at it. Some took notes during the testimony. The courtroom was filled with reporters and members of Madigan’s family. His daughter, former Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, sat in the front row, but the former president’s wife was not present.

After more than three months, the prosecution has settled on the ongoing corruption trial against former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Charlie Wojciechowski reports.

What is Madigan’s purpose in testifying in her own defense? Safer said it was to tell his story and gain the jury’s empathy.

“If he connects with two people, then they can form a logjam in that jury that will prevent conviction. Even if he doesn’t get acquittal, that ends the conviction because the verdict has to be unanimous,” Safer said.

Although this move carries risks, Safer also sees potential benefits for Madigan.

“I think a jury wants to hear from the defendant, wants to look him in the eye and … wants to hear him say, ‘I didn’t do it,’ and then they can evaluate for themselves: ‘ Is this person sincere? Is this person credible? Without that and with months of evidence, it’s very difficult to get an acquittal,” Safer said.

During his testimony Tuesday, the once-powerful former politician then described his strict upbringing on Chicago’s South Side and the influence of his recovering alcoholic and controlling father.

“In this house, education never existed. My parents never told me they loved me,” Madigan said.

Madigan said he learned to avoid conflict and recognize the value of hard work, skills he said served him well in his eventual role as a legislative leader in Springfield.

“Within the Legislature, I would interact with different people,” Madigan said. “My role was to bring people together in the Legislative Assembly and find consensus. »

Madigan and his confidant and co-defendant Mike McClain are accused in a 23-count indictment of running the president’s office as a criminal enterprise for their own benefit and that of their associates. They deny any wrongdoing.

Testimony will likely continue for at least a few days. By testifying in his own defense, Madigan may have prolonged the trial, which began in October and already has two months of testimony. Closing arguments were scheduled to take place next week. However, the judge told jurors they may not be able to begin their deliberations until the week of Jan. 27.