After many years of exercising unrestrained authority in Illinois politics, former Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan — once referred to as “The Velvet Hammer” — is ultimately facing imprisonment. The veteran liberal power broker, whose clandestine agreements and dubious partnerships were widely known for years, has received a sentence of seven and a half years in prison along with a fine of $2.5 million for his involvement in one of the most significant corruption scandals in Illinois history.
At 83 years old, Madigan was previously regarded as untouchable within Democratic circles. For decades, he governed the Illinois House as if it were his own personal domain, utilizing state legislation as a means to reward allies, enrich acquaintances, and consolidate his power. However, after years of rumors, watchdog investigations, and political cover-ups, the reality finally caught up with him.
In February, a jury convicted Madigan on ten counts related to an extensive corruption investigation involving bribery, conspiracy, and wire fraud. Although jurors were unable to reach a consensus on the primary racketeering charge, the convictions themselves were sufficient to reveal the corruption at the heart of Illinois’ Democratic machine.
Central to the case was Madigan’s questionable association with ComEd, the largest utility company in the state. Prosecutors presented a compelling case: Madigan leveraged his influence to coerce ComEd into providing jobs and contracts to his political allies in return for favorable legislation. He was not acting in the capacity of a public servant — he was orchestrating a pay-to-play scheme.
This is merely the beginning of the story. Madigan also confronted charges for attempting to secure a lucrative state board position for a Chicago alderman, and while juries did not convict him on additional charges related to a Chinatown real estate transaction and AT&T legislation, the pattern of corruption was unmistakable.
During sentencing, Madigan’s legal representatives made a desperate appeal for leniency, portraying him as a frail, elderly individual caring for an ill spouse — and absurdly suggesting that probation would suffice. U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey was not deceived.
“You deceived,” Judge Blakey remarked, highlighting Madigan’s choice to commit perjury on the witness stand rather than opting for silence. “Engaging in criminal activities is challenging. It genuinely requires effort.”
Indeed, it does — and Madigan dedicated his life to that endeavor. From the back alleys of Chicago to the corridors of the statehouse, his influence was significant, crafting policies not for the benefit of the populace, but to serve his corrupt political network.
Democrats in Illinois and nationwide ought to engage in serious self-reflection. This is the outcome when power is centralized behind closed doors and transparency is regarded as an inconvenience. While the left admonishes America about “equity” and “accountability,” the leadership within their own party has been participating in traditional machine politics that would cause Tammany Hall to feel embarrassed.